grainy

adjective

ˈgrā-nē 

grainier; grainiest

1

: resembling or having some characteristic of grain : not smooth or fine

2

of a photograph : appearing to be composed of grain-like particles

graininess noun

Synonyms of grainy

• coarse
• grained
• sandy
• granular

Examples of grainy in a Sentence

The mustard has a grainy texture.

grainy sand kept it off the rankings as one of the nation's best beaches

Recent Examples on the Web

In September 2014, TMZ published a grainy elevator security video that showed Ray Rice, the star running back for the Baltimore Ravens, punching his girlfriend in the face so hard that she was knocked unconscious. —Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 28 Jan. 2026

Freezing is not recommended—Boursin’s soft cheese base may separate when frozen and thawed, and the potatoes can become grainy. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 28 Jan. 2026

The original Peptide Lip Treatment developed a grainy texture over time; however, the brand reformulated it in 2025 to prevent this. —Emma Greene, InStyle, 28 Jan. 2026

Rye and apple brandy are fast friends—the apple brandy adding an autumnal echo to rye’s grainy persistence. —Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 24 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for grainy

• brainy
• cheyney
• rainey
• zany
• allegany
• miscellany
• theophany