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 grainy eight millimeter footage, a young bride named Yvonne Olsen smiles on the patio, runs down the concrete stairs to the ocean and draws her husband's name in the sand. —Bryan West, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026

Here are details on the most luscious cups of peanut butter goodness and the grainy, too sweet peanut butter cups that don’t quite deliver. —Jolene Thym, Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2026

The state’s case against Anthony Bell-Johnson will be built on little beyond grainy surveillance video, detectives’ speculation and questionable cellphone data, the defense forecast to the jury on Tuesday. —Emerson Clarridge updated February 4, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Feb. 2026

Neighbor doorbell cameras and home systems can provide important timeline markers, even if the footage is grainy. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 4 Feb. 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