grit 1 of 2

grit

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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 shrimp and grits ($36) are scrumptious, the sea scallops ($46) dandy. Charles Babington, New York Times, 21 May 2025 Key Takeaways Dolly Parton’s new frozen meals feature Southern classics like shrimp and grits and chicken and dumplings. Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 21 May 2025
Verb
The muscular gizzard contains grit pecked up from the chicken’s ground feeding, which is used to crush up the chicken’s food. Josh Miller, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2025 If Dončić is back to full health Sunday, the Lake Show has a good chance of gritting out a win and bringing the series to even before heading back to Los Angeles. Hannah Vanbiber, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grit
Noun
  • But any single act of courage might shift the trajectory of your life —or that of others.
    Margie Warrell, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
  • This is where the first-responder physio plays a critical role — staying vigilant, trusting their training and instincts, and having the courage to make the tough decision to remove a player when necessary.
    Geoff Scott, New York Times, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • The links with current Saudi champions Al Hilal are genuine, and that should be the real concern for everyone at Old Trafford — not whether Fernandes is overrated, underrated or secretly wants to scrape his studs down Keane’s shins.
    Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 19 May 2025
  • Video footage on social media shows the ship — flying a huge Mexican flag — scraping the underside and its masts collapsing onto the deck.
    Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • First-timers typically make a beeline for Madrid and Barcelona, but even then, most people will only scratch the surface of these cities and their surroundings.
    Siobhan Reid, Vogue, 28 May 2025
  • But the car industry has not scratched the surface of these vehicles' potential.
    Emily Forlini, PC Magazine, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • At the time, videos of motivational speakers and clips focused on mental fortitude became a regular part of his life.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 13 May 2025
  • The word cowboy itself was used in a derogatory way to describe the former slaves as 'boys,' ... destroying the negative connotation, what remains is the strength and resiliency of these men who were the true definition of Western fortitude.
    Alex Gonzalez, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • That impacts many young players like Pak, who are grinding, just trying to survive on tour.
    Daniel R. Depetris, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025
  • Since Hamas’s devastating attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and Israel’s large-scale response, pro-Palestinian protests spread across the United States, including at Israeli consulates and college campuses, during the grinding conflict in Gaza.
    Adam Goldman, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • Even in those first sessions, Nikola stood out for his incredible bravery when going up against older boys.
    Paul Taylor, New York Times, 20 May 2025
  • That indignation, those headlines, the praise for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s bravery and leadership cooling dramatically since those early days–in Europe and America.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • Over time, this mindset builds creative stamina and psychological safety, both critical for navigating complex roles.
    Rob Robinson, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • The actors were so committed and had such dramatic stamina.
    Manohla Dargis, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • Owing to her Western spunk, talent for deduction, ability to identify a tobacco scent Holmes cannot and the detective’s need for a sidekick, she’s made his assistant.
    Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Further, students should embrace their true voice in the letter, showing their quirks, personality, and spunk.
    Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Grit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grit. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.

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