flinty

adjective

ˈflin-tē How to pronounce flinty (audio)
Definition of flintynext
1
as in strict
given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint a flinty warrior hardened by years of battle

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in gruff
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance wrestling opponents intimidating each other with flinty stares

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of flinty Still, there are things to like about the job, including a flirtatious, flinty local bartender (Lena Headey), who may be taking an interest in Ulysses. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 17 Apr. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for flinty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flinty
  1. strict
  2. gruff
  3. tough
  4. stern
  5. harsh
  6. fierce
  7. authoritarian
  8. grim
Adjective
  • Swift intervention reversed their decline after Aldabra was designated a strict nature reserve in 1981 and a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
  • The great innovator of fashion photography, the revolutionary, was also a strict traditionalist.
    — Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of strict
Adjective
  • Over three decades in stand-up comedy, Bill Burr has gained a reputation for saying, with gruff conviction and political fire, the thing on everyone’s mind.
    — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
  • We were taught by a gruff cockney called Fred Waring, who had participated in the D-Day landings in a regiment that had fought its way across Europe towards Berlin and liberated the concentration camp at Belsen.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of gruff
Adjective
  • Celebrity hairstylist Brian Magallones considers this the perfect balance between a not-too-fussy and not-too-structured chignon, a style that sounds tough to style without a professional team but is actually quite easy to master at-home.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Coming off that dominant performance against the Yankees, Rasmussen went six-plus tough innings.
    — Rob Maaddi, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of tough
Adjective
  • Below is Jordan — bearded, stern, and wearing a leather jacket — as Det.
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Preliminary information indicates that the explosion occurred near the vessel’s stern deck, resulting in limited damage, a police spokesperson said in a statement.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of stern
Adjective
  • Growing up under the harsh system of segregation influenced Pillay's interest in human rights and the law.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Growing up under the harsh system of segregation influenced Pillay’s interest in human rights and the law.
    — Stefanie Dazio, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of harsh
Adjective
  • In the aftermath of City being found guilty of a raft of financial breaches another fierce welcome was expected.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Her fierce survival instincts see her turn the tables on them, transforming their hunt into her own cat-and-mouse game.
    — Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of fierce
Adjective
  • El Sistema was founded decades before Hugo Chavez came to power in a populist revolution that quickly turned authoritarian.
    — Max Feliu, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026
  • What readers are saying The comments express overwhelming disapproval and outrage over the idea of live-streaming a public execution, likening it to barbaric practices of authoritarian regimes and terrorist groups.
    — Aoife Walsh, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of authoritarian
Adjective
  • The interior drew its own grim commentary—a few guests expressed feeling a sudden compulsion to jump from the top of the spiral ramp to their death.
    — Wendy S. Walters, Architectural Digest, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Footage obtained exclusively by CNN and testimony from those who were on the mountain paint a more detailed picture than before of Morup, the man who died serving his country and is now the goal of one of mountaineering’s grimmest challenges.
    — Helen Regan, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of grim

Browse Nearby Words

flintlocks
flinty
flip
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Cite this Entry

“Flinty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flinty. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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