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

From the moment the first grainy paparazzi shots surfaced from the set, the internet was ablaze with hot takes on the costumes’ period inaccuracies and general outlandishness. —Radhika Seth, Vogue, 10 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, 10 Jan. 2026

The hooded figure, whose face is not clear in the grainy video, is seen walking in a snowy alleyway near the Tepe's home around the time police believe they were killed. —Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026

After lathering the grainy texture on to her skin, our tester Tiffany could still smell the soap lingering two hours later. —Olivia Rose Rushing, InStyle, 7 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