flinty

[flin-tee]

adjective

flintier, flintiest 

1. composed of, containing, or resembling flint, especially in hardness.

2. unyielding; unmerciful; obdurate.

   a flinty heart.

flinty

/ ˈflɪntɪ /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or resembling flint

2. hard or cruel; obdurate; unyielding

Other Word Forms

• flintily adverb
• flintiness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of flinty¹

First recorded in 1530–40; flint + -y ¹

Example Sentences

Neither is he the flinty survivor or gruff hero playing God that other medical dramas love to hold up.

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The songs had a flinty exterior and a troubled tone.

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Gene Hackman, the Oscar-winning actor who brought a flinty menace to films such as “Bonnie and Clyde,” “The French Connection” and “Unforgiven” was found dead Wednesday along with his wife in New Mexico, authorities said.

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Peake’s staid and knowing portrayal stands in contrast and complement to that of Petticrew, whose resolute manner vacillates between a flinty swagger and true anguish.

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Still, she was able to relate to Marian, the quiet yet flinty younger sister who looks up to the fiery Dolours.

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Related Words

• steely 
• stony