Synonyms for

Rocky

Verb / ˈrɑ:ki: / Another word for rocky — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

having many rocks or covered with rocks; difficult to travel over because it is uneven and covered with rocks

Synonyms & similar words

bouldered bouldery stony jolting bumpy jumpy jolty rough smooth bumpy rough uneven jagged rock-strewn rock-covered pebbly gravelly scraggy rugged mountainous hilly stony

Synonyms by register

Formal

uneven rugged craggy stony

Informal

bumpy rough jarring jolting

Literary

lithic petrous

Antonyms

smooth flat even level calm gentle placid

Common collocations

  • rocky terrain
  • rocky ground
  • rocky path
  • rocky coast
  • rocky start
  • rocky relationship
  • rocky surface

Word family

noun rock
adjective rocky
adverb rockily

Usage note

Can describe both literal terrain and figurative situations. 'Rocky start' is a common idiom for an unpromising beginning.

Example sentences

  1. The ocean waves crashed against the rocky shore.
  2. We had to climb over the rocky path to get to the top of the mountain.
  3. The construction workers had to use heavy machinery to move the rocks from the rocky terrain.
  4. The river was too rocky to safely swim in.
  5. The climbers scaled the rocky cliff with ease.

Quotes

  • Life is a rocky road that leads to the top of the world.
  • The best way to navigate through life's challenges is to have a rocky mindset.
  • The rocky path may be hard, but the view from the top is always worth it.

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