grainy

adjective

ˈgrā-nē How to pronounce grainy (audio)
grainier; grainiest
Synonyms of grainynext
1
: resembling or having some characteristic of grain : not smooth or fine
2
of a photograph : appearing to be composed of grain-like particles
graininess noun

Synonyms of grainy

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Examples of grainy in a Sentence

The mustard has a grainy texture. grainy sand kept it off the rankings as one of the nation's best beaches
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The person seen dropping off the Acura was pictured only in grainy video and appeared to be wearing a shirt without sleeves. — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2026 The texture gets grainy, and both the color and flavor can diminish. — Jessica Farthing, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2026 Milk and Cream-Based Sauces While freezing milk or cream might seem like a good way to extend their shelf life, these items tend to separate when thawed, creating a grainy, watery texture. — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026 If the language of poetry serves as the film’s structural base, its grainy analogue footage, shot by Ben Rivers, gives it the texture of a dream. — Rafaela Bassili, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for grainy

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of grainy was in the 15th century

Rhymes for grainy

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Browse Nearby Words

grain weevil
grainy
graip
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Cite this Entry

“Grainy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grainy. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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