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gritty

adjective

Definition of grittynext
1
as in unflinching

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Dissimilar Words
2
as in sandy

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Dissimilar Words
3
as in vivid

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Dissimilar 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 gritty But after losing four of the final five games, the narrative soon changed from a gritty Yellow Jackets team with attainable playoff hopes to a middle-ground Atlantic Coast Conference squad with a Pop-Tarts Bowl ceiling. — CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026 McNeil has made a career out of reliving the gritty tales of debauchery and explosive expression that gave rise to the Ramones and CBGB’s and shocking tales of New York in the 1970s. — Deputy Entertainment, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026 It’s been an eventful start to the Kyle Whittingham era at Michigan, from the drama and controversy of the Hail Mary win against Western Michigan to a gritty victory against Oklahoma. — Austin Meek, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026 The Ultimate Digital Leash No noir detective story is complete without a session of tailing the suspect through the gritty streets and alleys. — Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gritty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gritty
  1. unflinching
  2. sandy
  3. vivid
  4. plucky
  5. earthy
  6. expressive
  7. resolute
  8. gravelly
Adjective
  • Hers is an art of transmutation, but one that never shies from showing you the pain it’s made from, at once hopeful and unflinching.
    — Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Moises Vladimir Cordero also acknowledged the unflinching bravery of first responders.
    — Kaanita Iyer, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of unflinching
Adjective
  • Ship Bottom is another buzzy base with plenty to keep travelers entertained—from mini-golf and arcades to surf shops and ice cream parlors—and a sandy shoreline to stretch out.
    — Lindsay Cohn, Travel + Leisure, 17 Sep. 2026
  • The Kordofan Observatory monitoring group said that at least 70 miners were killed or missing at the site, which stretches about a half-mile across a wide swath of fragile, sandy soil.
    — Yasir Abdallah, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of sandy
Adjective
  • The Paleolithic cave paintings of Chauvet depict vivid herds of rhinos at rest and at play.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Aperol—the vivid orange bittersweet liqueur, irreplaceable in neo-classics like the Naked & Famous and the Paper Plane—needs no introduction.
    — Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of vivid
Adjective
  • Among the newspaper’s alums was Mildred Wirt Benson, better known to legions of Nancy Drew fans as Carolyn Keene, the original author of the mystery books featuring the plucky amateur detective.
    — Kate Brumback, Fortune, 10 Sep. 2026
  • In the book’s first movements, our plucky, brilliant guide through the world of Black mega-church runs on acidic observations, wit, and drolly spouted trivia.
    — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of plucky
Adjective
  • Here, the spice mingles with cardamom and ginger before giving way to earthy patchouli, papyrus, and creamy orris butter.
    — Amanda Le, InStyle, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Middleton regularly gravitates toward earthy tones during the fall season, embracing chocolate browns, moss greens and more in her royal wardrobe.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of earthy
Adjective
  • Research on expressive writing, published in PMC, has been shown to reduce rumination and help people process difficult emotions, which is the mechanism behind the short brain-dump practice.
    — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Abrams has the kind of expressive face that can navigate a host of conflicting emotions.
    — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of expressive
Adjective
  • For someone who works in an industry that is constantly in flux, Zurich Film Festival Co-Owner and Festival Director Reta Guetg is resolute in her ambition for the young film event.
    — Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2026
  • There are many reasons to love this story, not least because of its resolute universalism.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of resolute
Adjective
  • The two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee — who’s been honored for his work as a solo artist and a member of Faces — is known for belting out ballads and rock numbers through an unmistake gravelly voice.
    — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • When listening to McElligott’s radio call, Blue Jackets fans could hear an unspoken homage to Penguins legendary broadcaster Mike Lange, whose gravelly goal calls and distinct, quirky catchphrases thrilled listeners.
    — Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of gravelly

Browse Nearby Words

gritting
gritty
grizzle
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Cite this Entry

“Gritty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gritty. Accessed 27 Sep. 2026.

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