Synonyms of flinty

flinty

adjective

ˈflin-tē 

1

as in strict

given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint

a flinty warrior hardened by years of battle

Synonyms & Similar Words

• strict
• tough
• harsh
• authoritarian
• stern
• rigid
• rigorous
• hardened
• hard
• gruff
• severe
• austere
• relentless
• merciless
• steadfast
• demanding
• ramrod
• heavy-handed
• pitiless
• implacable
• adamant
• dour
• unbending
• unyielding
• unforgiving
• stiff
• uncompromising
• unrelenting
• adamantine
• callous
• immovable
• exacting
• rock-ribbed
• hard-line
• inflexible
• ossified
• unsparing
• ascetic
• determined
• bullying
• monkish
• uncharitable
• unflinching
• obstinate
• monastic
• dogged
• hard-hearted
• intractable
• resolved
• firm
• single-minded
• browbeating

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• gentle
• tolerant
• indulgent
• lenient
• lax
• mild
• easy
• soft
• easygoing
• forbearing
• kind
• undemanding
• charitable
• patient
• merciful
• clement
• yielding
• accepting
• willing
• responsive
• laid-back
• softhearted
• pliant
• agreeable
• flexible
• amenable
• complaisant
• pliable
• acquiescent
• compliant
• compromising

2

as in gruff

harsh and threatening in manner or appearance

wrestling opponents intimidating each other with flinty stares

Synonyms & Similar Words

• gruff
• stern
• fierce
• grim
• rugged
• intimidating
• hostile
• bleak
• steely
• forbidding
• severe
• dour
• stark
• rough
• hardened
• austere
• cold
• stubborn
• lowering
• dark
• somber
• ungentle
• solemn
• resolute
• black
• moody
• determined
• steadfast
• stiff
• unflinching
• inhospitable
• implacable
• adamant
• unsympathetic
• obdurate
• rigid
• unbending
• obstinate
• unfriendly
• bound
• unrelenting
• uncompromising
• unyielding
• immovable
• resolved
• inimical
• firm
• hardheaded
• purposeful
• intent
• fixed
• sullen
• serious
• melancholy
• inflexible
• willful
• immutable
• mulish
• morose
• sulky
• cheerless
• unchangeable
• brooding
• hard
• unsmiling
• melancholic
• humorless
• surly
• gloomy
• joyless
• glum
• sober
• staid
• weighty
• set
• grave
• self-willed
• ironhanded
• sobersided

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• gentle
• mild
• benign
• soft
• mellow
• tender
• benignant
• bland
• meek
• soothing
• quiet
• sweet
• easy
• pleasant
• bright
• tranquil
• cheerful
• agreeable
• pleasing
• nonintimidating
• inviting
• merry
• sunny
• happy
• mirthful
• glad
• lighthearted
• playful
• goofy
• silly
• frivolous
• giddy
• flighty
• scatterbrained
• featherbrained
• harebrained
• light-headed

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of flinty

Sporting Robert Shaw’s distinctive fisherman’s cap, flinty and crooked grin, and swarthy mutton-chop sideburns, Gildart Jackson’s is an evocative portrayal of Robert Shaw. — Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 10 Mar. 2026

Eva is a complex character, flinty and businesslike, deadly serious about her mission and willing to make ethical compromises to move it forward. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 Mar. 2026

Ahn is sharper and flintier, but conveys the anxiety and mounting pressures Emily is facing quite well. — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 28 Jan. 2026

Season 1 detailed how Robby—a crinkle-eyed stalwart whose stethoscope seems made of thorns—was still suffering from PTSD from his experiences working during the coronavirus pandemic, while a violent attack from a patient made the otherwise flinty Dana reconsider whether her job was still bearable. — Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2026