strident

adjective

stri·​dent ˈstrī-dᵊnt How to pronounce strident (audio)
: characterized by harsh, insistent, and discordant sound
a strident voice
also : commanding attention by a loud or obtrusive quality
strident slogans
stridently adverb
Choose the Right Synonym for strident

loud, stentorian, earsplitting, raucous, strident mean marked by intensity or volume of sound.

loud applies to any volume above normal and may suggest undue vehemence or obtrusiveness.

loud shouts of protest

stentorian implies great power and range.

an actor with a stentorian voice

earsplitting implies loudness that is physically discomforting.

the earsplitting sound of a siren

raucous implies a loud harsh grating tone, especially of voice, and may suggest rowdiness.

the raucous shouts of drunken revelers

strident implies a rasping discordant but insistent quality, especially of voice.

the strident voices of hecklers

vociferous, clamorous, blatant, strident, boisterous, obstreperous mean so loud or insistent as to compel attention.

vociferous implies a vehement shouting or calling out.

vociferous cries of protest and outrage

clamorous may imply insistency as well as vociferousness in demanding or protesting.

clamorous demands for prison reforms

blatant implies an offensive bellowing or insensitive loudness.

blatant rock music
a blatant clamor for impeachment

strident suggests harsh and discordant noise.

heard the strident cry of the crow

boisterous suggests a noisiness and turbulence due to high spirits.

a boisterous crowd of party goers

obstreperous suggests unruly and aggressive noisiness and resistance to restraint.

the obstreperous demonstrators were arrested

Example Sentences

The strident tone in his voice revealed his anger.
Recent Examples on the Web Last December, Arizona state Rep. Mark Finchem — who was one of the most strident election deniers — asked a judge to order a do-over of the 2022 election after losing last year's battle for secretary of state. Phillip M. Bailey, USA TODAY, 6 Apr. 2023 Even Tucker Carlson, the most strident prime-time host on Fox News, expressed his disgust with Powell and her inability to back up her claims. Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2023 Top diplomats met again at the United Nations on Friday, this time in the Security Council, with most issuing strident condemnations of the war. David L. Stern, Washington Post, 24 Feb. 2023 Lee doesn't pull any punches on either side, and the film can feel strident at times. Elliott Smith, EW.com, 3 Feb. 2023 In addition to world recognition of Lula's victory cabinet members, governors-elect and evangelical leaders who have been strident supporters of Bolsonaro have already offered overtures to the incoming leftist government. Peter Aitken, Fox News, 23 Nov. 2022 The framing for The Last White Man came to him in the months following September 11, in the wake of being racially profiled, during a moment of strident division. Wired, 10 Aug. 2022 Rivera was strident, but also complicated. Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 13 Mar. 2023 The blogger took pride in their ability to cover their digital tracks and avoid getting caught – even as a growing number of government critics were ensnared in Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s strident crackdown on dissent. Nectar Gan, CNN, 29 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'strident.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin strident-, stridens, present participle of stridere, stridēre to make a harsh noise

First Known Use

circa 1656, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of strident was circa 1656

Dictionary Entries Near strident

Cite this Entry

“Strident.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strident. Accessed 8 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

strident

adjective
stri·​dent ˈstrīd-ᵊnt How to pronounce strident (audio)
: harsh sounding : grating, shrill
a strident voice
stridently adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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