stony

adjective

\ ˈstō-nē

variants: or less commonly stoney

stonier; stoniest

Definition of stony

1 : abounding in or having the nature of stone : rocky

2a : insensitive to pity or human feeling : obdurate

b : manifesting no movement or reaction : dumb, expressionless

c : fearfully gripping : petrifying

3 archaic : consisting of or made of stones

4 British : stone broke

Other Words from stony Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about stony

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Examples of stony in a Sentence

She gave him a stony stare. the judge's stony demeanor didn't raise the defendant's hopes for a more lenient sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Right behind it was the Blauschiefer trocken from Stein in the Mosel, likewise lively, juicy and stony and just $19, albeit for a 750-milliliter bottle. — Eric Asimov, New York Times, "2016 Dry German Rieslings: Graceful, Resonant, Delicious," 3 May 2018 Their beehive tents were scattered across a stony valley. — Stanley Stewart, Condé Nast Traveler, "Going Off-Grid in Namibia," 21 Dec. 2018 Clarke did her thing and the HBO exec stayed stony-faced. — Kayleigh Roberts, Marie Claire, "Emilia Clarke Did the Robot During One of Her 'Game of Thrones' Auditions," 27 Oct. 2018 From Princess Beatrice helping her younger sister with her wedding dress, to Princess Eugenie's mother and father watching the couple depart, these shots are sure to melt even the stoniest of hearts. — Harper's Bazaar Staff, Harper's BAZAAR, "Princess Eugenie's Family Waving Her Off Before Her Second Reception Is Too Cute," 12 Oct. 2018 Juicy and fresh, with unusual aromas and flavors of watermelon and potpourri. Austere and reticent, with stony aromas and flavors of citrus and flowers. — Eric Asimov, New York Times, "American Rosés Without Clichés," 5 July 2018 His players were at his back, at the other end of the field, applauding their fans, commiserating with them, the mood proud but somber, stony faces and distant eyes. — Rory Smith, New York Times, "Croatia Digs Deeper, Burying England’s World Cup Dreams," 12 July 2018 This one from Stein is gently dry, with just the barest bit of fruity roundness to give the wine depth and dimension, along with plenty of stony minerality. — Eric Asimov, New York Times, "20 Wines Under $20: Plenty of Variety and Not One Chardonnay," 17 May 2018 My friends assure me that I am supposed to cry, as though anything less were an indication of a stony heart. — Karen Stabiner, New York Times, "A Wedding Day Saga Ends With Words From the Heart," 27 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'stony.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.