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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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 Research suggests that about 50% of women going through the menopausal transition experience dry eye symptoms, including red, watery or gritty-feeling eyes. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 7 Sep. 2026 Dassin brings real tension and realism to that section of the film, honing some of the gritty procedural elements that would come to be employed by directors like Michael Mann. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026 Over the course of a grueling four-hour, 36-minute first-round loss at Arthur Ashe Stadium late Sunday night, 39-year-old Novak Djokovic battled not only a gritty opponent in unseeded Mariano Navone but his own body. — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 31 Aug. 2026 Crumbs, salt, and other seasonings can act like gritty sandpaper and scuff the stovetop when a pan is placed over them. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 31 Aug. 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
  • On one hand, that there exists a film about an American war from an outside perspective, which is so unflinching in its portrayal of war crimes, is a refreshing reversal of dominant cinematic narratives.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Summers’ depiction of grief, revenge and her implicit critique of true crime media was smart and unflinching.
    — Rebecca Stafford, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of unflinching
Adjective
  • Pulse once or twice to combine, then add the tahini and pulse another 5 or 6 times, until the mixture just comes together in a few large clumps but is still sandy.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Sep. 2026
  • In the video, the robot travels across sandy and uneven surfaces while negotiating changes in elevation and ground conditions.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of sandy
Adjective
  • Those who were born may not be old enough to have the vivid recollections of an older generation.
    — Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Come fall, particularly October, the woodlands draw fall-color enthusiasts with vivid maples, birches, and beeches.
    — Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of vivid
Adjective
  • Even after a catastrophic 2023 heatwave set off the worst coral bleaching event in state history, some plucky polyps clung to life.
    — Nicolás Rivero, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Save the Last Dance stars Stiles as Sara Johnson, a plucky 17-year-old from the suburbs of Chicago chasing dance dreams that seem increasingly unstable after her mother is killed, forcing her to relocate to the city’s gritty South Side.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of plucky
Adjective
  • The effect is more visual than anything, with a mild earthy aftertaste.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Down to Earth One common theme among the fall 2026 collections was the nature around us, not only in the earthy tones chosen for the clothing presented, but also in the backdrops of the shows themselves.
    — Madeline Fass, Vogue, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of earthy
Adjective
  • There is no doubt the quality of players that managers have available plays a massive part in how expressive their style becomes but as ideas go, Luis Enrique’s use of his wide players last season definitely set PSG apart.
    — Art de Roché, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Hüller is mesmerizing in what initially feels like a silent-film performance, magnificently expressive and physical, before the emotional wallop of the final act.
    — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of expressive
Adjective
  • Morgan’s resolute denials pleased his family and friends, but in fact he was deeply rattled.
    — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Yet Cao’s projects are less expository than Farocki’s, less resolute in their theses.
    — Pablo Larios, Artforum, 1 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

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Cite this Entry

“Gritty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gritty. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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