strident

Synonym Chooser

How is the word strident different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of strident are blatant, boisterous, clamorous, obstreperous, and vociferous. While all these words mean "so loud or insistent as to compel attention," strident suggests harsh and discordant noise.

heard the strident cry of the crow

In what contexts can blatant take the place of strident?

The words blatant and strident are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, blatant implies an offensive bellowing or insensitive loudness.

blatant rock music
a blatant clamor for impeachment

When is boisterous a more appropriate choice than strident?

While the synonyms boisterous and strident are close in meaning, boisterous suggests a noisiness and turbulence due to high spirits.

a boisterous crowd of party goers

When would clamorous be a good substitute for strident?

The meanings of clamorous and strident largely overlap; however, clamorous may imply insistency as well as vociferousness in demanding or protesting.

clamorous demands for prison reforms

When might obstreperous be a better fit than strident?

Although the words obstreperous and strident have much in common, obstreperous suggests unruly and aggressive noisiness and resistance to restraint.

the obstreperous demonstrators were arrested

When could vociferous be used to replace strident?

The synonyms vociferous and strident are sometimes interchangeable, but vociferous implies a vehement shouting or calling out.

vociferous cries of protest and outrage

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 strident Her strident transphobia has also led her to align herself with far-right extremists. Aja Romano, Vox, 18 Apr. 2025 Brimming with boundless enthusiasm, White hit hard and fast, channeling a riveting blend of strident rawness and knife-edge menace that echoed a host of the rough-and-tumble blues predecessors who inspired him. Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025 Poland, which borders the Russian territory of Kaliningrad as well as Ukraine and staunch Moscow ally Belarus, has been one of the most strident members of NATO in upping defense spending and building up its military forces. William Lambers, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025 Multicultural sensibilities became widespread and strident. Robert W. Merry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for strident
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strident
Adjective
  • While it's not confirmed, McCartney could lend his vocal talents as well.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
  • But opposition became more vocal when President Donald Trump appointed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as U.S. secretary of Health and Human Services.
    Romy Ellenbogen, Miami Herald, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Another singles match will see the tough Sheamus go one-on-one with the outspoken Grayson Waller.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
  • His outspoken criticism of a student strike won him the support of California’s then governor, Ronald Reagan, and, in 1968, Hayakawa was appointed the college’s acting president.
    Graciela Mochkofsky, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • While the noisy cicadas are harmless to people and don’t sting or bite, periodical cicadas can be concentrated and very numerous in some spots.
    Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 10 May 2025
  • The Frigidaire delivers in many categories, but the shelf adjustments are limited, the fridge was noisier than average, and the temperature was inconsistent, leading to frozen items in the refrigerated section.
    Alice Knisley Matthias, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 May 2025
Adjective
  • Questions about the practice were exacerbated by litigants’ blatant forum shopping, filing lawsuits in liberal areas when seeking to block Republican Presidents and in conservative jurisdictions to challenge the policies of Democratic Presidents.
    Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 17 May 2025
  • Since the time of de Blasio’s blatant pilfering, in September 2019, prices have risen 25% (actually 24.94% according to the Consumer Price Index) so an equal amount in interest should have been assessed against him.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 15 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Strident.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strident. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on strident

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