flinty

adjective

ˈflin-tē How to pronounce flinty (audio)
Definition of flintynext
1
as in strict
given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint a flinty warrior hardened by years of battle

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in gruff
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance wrestling opponents intimidating each other with flinty stares

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 flinty In the Cold War, the idea of the flinty citizen soldier, peacefully tending his field but ready to pick up a weapon at a moment’s notice, was invoked in the struggle against the Soviet Union. — Vivian Yee, New York Times, 20 June 2026 Sporting Robert Shaw’s distinctive fisherman’s cap, flinty and crooked grin, and swarthy mutton-chop sideburns, Gildart Jackson’s is an evocative portrayal of Robert Shaw. — Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 10 Mar. 2026 Hasna’s problematic actions are meant to be seen through this lens, alongside the gradual revelation of her life back in Morocco, yet our interest in sticking with her comes more from Erradi’s compellingly flinty performance than the flawed character development. — Jay Weissberg, Variety, 19 May 2026 Season 1 detailed how Robby—a crinkle-eyed stalwart whose stethoscope seems made of thorns—was still suffering from PTSD from his experiences working during the coronavirus pandemic, while a violent attack from a patient made the otherwise flinty Dana reconsider whether her job was still bearable. — Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flinty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flinty
  1. strict
  2. gruff
  3. tough
  4. stern
  5. harsh
  6. fierce
  7. authoritarian
  8. grim
Adjective
  • Without stricter coordination, brightness limits, debris controls, disposal rules, and international capacity planning, the next space race could damage the orbital lanes on which modern life now depends.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 6 July 2026
  • Not a whole lot, admittedly, since there was reportedly a strict no-phone policy for guests (as well as event staff and security).
    — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 6 July 2026
Definition of strict
Adjective
  • Abraham Lincoln furiously scribbled in Springfield on June 27, 1858, firing off a gruff note to the editor-in-chief of the Chicago Press & Tribune, then in business for only 11 years.
    — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026
  • But Rose bet that a less gruff voice, ultimately Mike Brown’s, was required to win it all.
    — Sean Gregory, Time, 14 June 2026
Definition of gruff
Adjective
  • MacDonald agrees that some of Kiros' positions could put Democratic candidates in a tough spot.
    — Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 2 July 2026
  • The 34 measures include cuts to income tax for low- and middle income families, an overhaul of the creaking pension system, tougher rules for employees' sick leave and a reduction of the country's stifling bureaucracy.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026
Definition of tough
Adjective
  • England, which has been patchy so far, poses the sternest test yet for the co-hosts.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 3 July 2026
  • With upcoming opponents Croatia providing a sterner test in possession, Portugal’s defensive display will be under greater scrutiny.
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of stern
Adjective
  • White settlers and frontier pioneers built vast, fenceless cattle stations, battling harsh environments and disease, embracing a hard-living culture that exists to this day.
    — Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
  • Dish Soap Using harsh chemicals on the outside of your toilet bowl and fixtures is not recommended, according to Meagher.
    — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 4 July 2026
Definition of harsh
Adjective
  • Its young people are increasingly educated and ambitious but many are frustrated over fierce competition for limited jobs.
    — Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
  • The Pride and Angel City have established a fierce rivalry in their short history.
    — Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 July 2026
Definition of fierce
Adjective
  • In the nation’s gravest hour, the country’s authoritarian regime has crippled an effective response, say survivors, rescue workers and former officials.
    — Terrence McCoy, Washington Post, 1 July 2026
  • Some are fleeing authoritarian regimes, war or natural disasters.
    — Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026
Definition of authoritarian
Adjective
  • If Boltanski’s work recalls Saarland’s grim past, Regenera, by another French artist, Benjamin Duquenne, points toward a hopeful future.
    — Jeff Chu, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2026
  • White detailed a bizarre, almost miraculous weather event that saved the outdoor fight night just as things looked grim.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Definition of grim

Browse Nearby Words

flintlocks
flinty
flip
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Cite this Entry

“Flinty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flinty. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of flinty for Spanish Speakers

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