grit 1 of 2

noun

ˈgrit How to pronounce grit (audio)
Definition of gritnext
as in courage
the strength of mind that enables a person to endure pain or hardship she was an athlete with true grit, continuing her training despite bad weather and an injury

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

grit

2 of 2

verb

as in to scrape
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

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 grit
Noun
The exact connection to the Dutton clan is still unclear, except that Clyburn has the family's grit in the series expected in the fall. — Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2025 But the ghastly grit and chaos of this war is unlikely to be kind to a truce. — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, 11 Mar. 2025
Verb
In the early days, a business often runs on intuition, grit and a dash of luck. — B.d. Dalton, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025 Sometimes being a good partner means putting on formal attire and gritting one’s teeth through caustic toasts. — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grit
  1. courage
  2. scrape
  3. scratch
  4. fortitude
  5. grind
  6. bravery
  7. stamina
  8. spunk
Noun
  • Final Thoughts In 2025, businesses that thrive will be those that have the courage to define a niche and serve it relentlessly.
    — Sneha Lundia, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Lilian, with a phobia of reptiles, nevertheless gathered the courage for her children’s sake, running a finger along the back of the boa constrictor.
    — Yiyun Li, The New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2025
Definition of courage
Verb
  • The right wing then scraped the ground and broke off at the fuselage, releasing a cloud of jet fuel that caught fire as the airplane overturned and moved down the runway.
    — David Schaper, NPR, 20 Mar. 2025
  • The agent scrapes Google News and other sources for the latest updates and news that might interest his subscribers.
    — Aytekin Tank, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of scrape
Verb
  • Not to be scratched by the digital revolution, vinyl posted its 18th straight year of growth, scored nearly three-quarters of physical format revenue at $1.4B – its highest since 1984.
    — Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Always opt for a very soft duster to avoid scratching or damaging your piece.
    — Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of scratch
Noun
  • That memory still burns, creating just the right balance of fortitude and redemption.
    — Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Cheaper laughs run rampant, invoking and evacuating seriousness in one limp gesture, smothering any thought or feeling at risk of requiring fortitude.
    — Lauren Michele Jackson, The New Yorker, 27 Feb. 2025
Definition of fortitude
Verb
  • These mental health conditions can lead to bruxism (teeth grinding), which can affect the tongue.
    — Mark Gurarie, Health, 16 Mar. 2025
  • The Houthis have choked off shipping in one of the most important Waterways of the World, grinding vast swaths of Global Commerce to a halt, and attacking the core principle of Freedom of Navigation upon which International Trade and Commerce depends.
    — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of grind
Noun
  • Passengers huddle to hear the fabled tale of a sailor who fell in love with the ocean, an allegory about bravery, exploration and transformation.
    — Josh Rivera, USA TODAY, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Your dignity honors the bravery of the Ukrainian people.
    — Rebecca Schneid, TIME, 1 Mar. 2025
Definition of bravery
Noun
  • But for Musselman, stamina has never been a question.
    — Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2025
  • While that age cutoff might seem young, ATCs must have incredible physical stamina and mental sharpness, McCormick said.
    — Holly Yan, CNN, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of stamina
Noun
  • At the same time, fresh ideas emerging from young professionals light up communication strategies with spunk and vitality.
    — Deepa Nagraj, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
  • The winners likewise offered less spark and spunk than in many of the Oscars' best years.
    — Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025
Definition of spunk

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Cite this Entry

“Grit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grit. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on grit

Nglish: Translation of grit for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about grit

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