Synonyms for

Grit

Verb / grɪt / Another word for grit — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

small pieces of sand or stone; courage and determination in the face of difficulty

Synonyms & similar words

backbone gritstone gumption guts sand gritrock moxie courage determination perseverance resolve strength tenacity grain granule pebble rock sand shingle gravel gritstone chutzpah guts nerve pluck backbone fortitude

Synonyms by register

Formal

fortitude resolve perseverance tenacity

Informal

guts nerve backbone pluck

Literary

mettle spirit ardor

Antonyms

cowardice timidity fearfulness spinelessness weakness irresolution

Common collocations

  • show grit
  • have grit
  • grit and determination
  • a lot of grit
  • grit your teeth
  • real grit
  • grit your jaw

Word family

noun grit
verb grit

Usage note

Grit refers to courage and resolve, strength of character. It can also refer to the act of clenching one's teeth, often in determination or anger.

Example sentences

  1. She had the grit to keep practicing until she got it right.
  2. He showed a lot of grit when he stood up to the bully.
  3. The road was covered in grit and sand after the storm.
  4. She used a piece of grit to sand down the wood.
  5. He grit his teeth and held on tight during the rollercoaster ride.

Quotes

  • True grit is making a decision and standing by it, doing what must be done.
  • Grit your teeth and smile. In the face of adversity, go. They don't deserve you.
  • Grit is that 'extra something' that separates the most successful people from the rest. It's the passion, perseverance, and stamina that we must channel in order to stick with our dreams until they become a reality.

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