strident

adjective

stri·​dent ˈstrī-dᵊnt 

: characterized by harsh, insistent, and discordant sound

a strident voice

also : commanding attention by a loud or obtrusive quality

strident slogans

stridently adverb

Choose the Right Synonym for strident

loud, stentorian, earsplitting, raucous, strident mean marked by intensity or volume of sound.

loud applies to any volume above normal and may suggest undue vehemence or obtrusiveness.

loud shouts of protest

stentorian implies great power and range.

an actor with a stentorian voice

earsplitting implies loudness that is physically discomforting.

the earsplitting sound of a siren

raucous implies a loud harsh grating tone, especially of voice, and may suggest rowdiness.

the raucous shouts of drunken revelers

strident implies a rasping discordant but insistent quality, especially of voice.

the strident voices of hecklers

vociferous, clamorous, blatant, strident, boisterous, obstreperous mean so loud or insistent as to compel attention.

vociferous implies a vehement shouting or calling out.

vociferous cries of protest and outrage

clamorous may imply insistency as well as vociferousness in demanding or protesting.

clamorous demands for prison reforms

blatant implies an offensive bellowing or insensitive loudness.

blatant rock music

a blatant clamor for impeachment

strident suggests harsh and discordant noise.

heard the strident cry of the crow

boisterous suggests a noisiness and turbulence due to high spirits.

a boisterous crowd of party goers

obstreperous suggests unruly and aggressive noisiness and resistance to restraint.

the obstreperous demonstrators were arrested

Examples of strident in a Sentence

The strident tone in his voice revealed his anger.

Recent Examples on the Web

Following exchanges of fire with Daniel Radcliffe and others, Rowling has blasted David Tennant after the Goblet of Fire star voiced strident views on those who speak out against trans rights. —Jake Kanter, Deadline, 28 June 2024

Known for their provocative lyrics and strident messaging on politics and social causes, Kneecap has a history, prior to October 7, of criticizing Israel and flying Palestinian flags during their concerts and wearing Palestinian colors during public appearances. —Elizabeth Wagmeister, CNN, 28 June 2024

Kurzweil makes strident assertions about a wide range of subjects, from personal identity to the nature of consciousness to the future of medicine. —Becca Rothfeld, Washington Post, 26 June 2024

Erdogan’s experiments with unorthodox economic policies and strident nationalism produced no tangible benefits for younger Turks, and discontent with the state of the economy, institutional erosion, and brain drain are persistent problems for his regime. —Asli Aydintasbas, Foreign Affairs, 6 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin strident-, stridens, present participle of stridere, stridēre to make a harsh noise

First Known Use

circa 1656, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

strident

adjective

stri·​dent ˈstrīd-ᵊnt 

: harsh sounding : grating, shrill

a strident voice

stridently adverb