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 cheese grits came with a healthy scatter of scallions — which is exactly what cheese grits should be, not a slab of unmelted American cheese floating on top (looking at you, other unnamed Charlotte diner). — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 17 Aug. 2026 Expect elevated takes on coastal delicacies—shrimp cocktail, oysters Rockefeller, fresh scallops, and shrimp and grits. — Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 17 Aug. 2026
Verb
Some combination of Viel, Johnston and Harkins could return on modest deals to add depth and grit to the group. — Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 10 June 2026 When my grandchildren were around recently, Marie was gritting her teeth because her nerves were so frayed. — Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 7 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for grit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grit
  1. courage
  2. scrape
  3. fortitude
  4. scratch
  5. bravery
  6. grind
  7. stamina
  8. spunk
Noun
  • But when a traumatic drunken night resurfaces, Júlía must confront shame, family responsibilities and the courage to tell her own story, reads the logline.
    — Annika Pham, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Cammack, who was one of the first House Republicans with the courage to speak out about Mills, should push hard for changes.
    — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of courage
Verb
  • Housing affordability is a major part of it, but its effects extend well beyond whether someone can scrape together a down payment.
    — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Remove the pan from the heat and scrape the butter and its brown solids into a large bowl.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of scrape
Noun
  • Richards somehow had the fortitude to continue a grueling European tour in the middle of all this chaos and sorrow, but a stadium run through America at the end of the summer was simply too much to ask.
    — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Camping can be either a delightful pastime or a test of fortitude, depending largely on the bug situation.
    — Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of fortitude
Verb
  • But all of these methods could damage the register by scratching the finish or denting the louvers.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Most on this roster aren’t established major leaguers, but players scratching and clawing for staying power.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of scratch
Noun
  • Much depended on your bravery, skill, road surface, and entry speed.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Aug. 2026
  • By Hal’s own admission, his bravery comes from having nothing to lose.
    — Alison Herman, Variety, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of bravery
Verb
  • The 4-cup mini chopper can chop or grind ingredients in seconds, making quick work of onions, garlic, herbs, and more.
    — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The lineup has expanded beyond its viral multi-balm, too, with lightweight SPF sticks and even a mess-minimizing grinding cleansing balm.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of grind
Noun
  • Players often arrive back from their summer breaks with a base level of fitness — enhanced by light and sporadic individual training during their holidays — and their natural athlete’s stamina.
    — George Edwards, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Learn line dancing and improve your balance, footwork, cardiovascular activity and stamina.
    — Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of stamina
Noun
  • But Alcock is no John Wayne or Jeff Bridges, and Ridley lacks the spunk of Kim Darby and Hailee Steinfeld.
    — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 24 June 2026
  • These small, high-energy pups have plenty of spunk and a big heart.
    — Pat Mueller, USA Today, 11 June 2026
Definition of spunk

Browse Nearby Words

grists
grit
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Cite this Entry

“Grit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grit. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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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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