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grits

verb

Definition of gritsnext
present tense third-person singular of grit
as in scrapes
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

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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 grits Bugs Bunny jams himself against the edge and grits his teeth in agony. — Laura Preston, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026 Then the coach known as the most impulsive man on an NFL sideline runs that stop sign, grits his teeth and breaks unbound into character. — Michael Silver, New York Times, 16 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grits
  1. scrapes
  2. scratches
  3. grinds
Verb
  • What’s more, the flexible tip scrapes the last bits out of a jar or tub so as little product as possible goes to waste.
    — Sarah Scott, Southern Living, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Therefore, scrapes without a licking branch aren’t repeatedly visited and re-used by the local deer herd.
    — Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of scrapes
Verb
  • Washing bites or scratches immediately with soap and water after possible rabies exposure.
    — Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 11 Sep. 2026
  • The agency also advises people to wash any bites or scratches right away with soap and water.
    — Aria Bendix, NBC news, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of scratches
Verb
  • The annual College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), the country’s most important academic event, grinds the nation to almost a halt to ensure the smooth administration of the exam.
    — Lim Hui Jie,Miko Jang, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Finance ministers and central bank officials of G20 countries convene in Asheville, North Carolina on Monday and Tuesday as the US-Iran war grinds into its sixth month, raising inflation expectations and keeping energy prices elevated.
    — Anna Cooban, CNN Money, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of grinds

Browse Nearby Words

grit
grits
gritted
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Cite this Entry

“Grits.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grits. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on grits

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about grits

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