grit 1 of 2

Definition of gritnext

grit

2 of 2

verb

as in to scrape
to press or strike against or together so as to make a scraping sound the crash victim gritted his teeth as a way of coping with the pain

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 grit
Noun
The area surrounding the High Line is so unrecognizable from recent decades that many lament the loss of the neighborhood’s former grit and industrial vibe. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Apr. 2026 The team’s grit is personified by senior catcher Josh Midanek, who has been behind the plate in every game since the 2025 season opener. Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
Grit gave weight to feeling; feeling gave purpose to grit. Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 6 Jan. 2026 Doechii continues to grit her teeth while declaring that the accolades she’s earned along the way were from hard work. Michael Saponara, Billboard, 30 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grit
Noun
  • The courage to make those choices and keep moving forward is what has defined my journey.
    Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 28 Apr. 2026
  • But when a mysterious aircraft sinks into the ocean, Ally’s peaceful world is suddenly thrown into danger and is thrust into a journey real-life marine creatures as the film explores themes of friendship and courage.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Smart skidded across the floor for a loose ball and was fouled, a jaw-scraping effort that forced him to check his teeth on his way up from the hardwood.
    Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 2026
  • There's other data that has been scraped or pulled through hacks or leaks that can be sold for criminals to obtain.
    Anna Schecter, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The level of intense feelings that anchor the show requires mental fortitude, yes, but also open-hearted candor.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2026
  • Still, Robinson became one of the best players of his generation, possibly of all time, showing tremendous mental fortitude to go along with his elite athleticism.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 15 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Twice in the last three years, and also in 2011, Repole brought a promising horse to the Derby and had to scratch him before post time.
    Jay Posner, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Unlike nylon brushes, silicone ones carry no risk of scratching or removing paint from your bottle.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The individual nature of these conflicts meant the season lacked the catharsis of an entire team coming together to face the unimaginable with bravery and grace.
    Selome Hailu, Variety, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Whereas the original book trilogy saw Tris choose Dauntless, the faction of bravery, in The Sixth Faction, tragedy strikes at her Choosing Ceremony, where her decision thrusts her into an underground rebellion.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 19 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Bodies in motion are intercut with a bespoke gun factory’s grinding gears; human combats are juxtaposed with VR imagery or first-person shooter games.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 21 Apr. 2026
  • That willingness to grind, Jassy argued, is what separates the people who move up from those who stall out.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Any editor can tell you—visiting Milan for Salone del Mobile and all of its surrounding events is an exercise in stamina.
    The Editors of AD, Architectural Digest, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Beware the narrow stairs, though; navigating the building’s five floors and rooftop terrace requires stamina.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Grossmont showed some spunk, rallying for three runs in the bottom of the inning.
    Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
  • An essay that lacks the rough edges, occasional clunky vocabulary, or endearing spunk of imperfect teenage writing can quickly indicate over-coaching (or, perhaps worse, the use of AI).
    Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 27 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Grit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grit. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on grit

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster