strident

Definition of stridentnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word strident different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of strident are blatant, boisterous, clamorous, obstreperous, and vociferous. While all these words mean "so loud or insistent as to compel attention," strident suggests harsh and discordant noise.

heard the strident cry of the crow

In what contexts can blatant take the place of strident?

The words blatant and strident are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, blatant implies an offensive bellowing or insensitive loudness.

blatant rock music
a blatant clamor for impeachment

When is boisterous a more appropriate choice than strident?

While the synonyms boisterous and strident are close in meaning, boisterous suggests a noisiness and turbulence due to high spirits.

a boisterous crowd of party goers

When would clamorous be a good substitute for strident?

The meanings of clamorous and strident largely overlap; however, clamorous may imply insistency as well as vociferousness in demanding or protesting.

clamorous demands for prison reforms

When might obstreperous be a better fit than strident?

Although the words obstreperous and strident have much in common, obstreperous suggests unruly and aggressive noisiness and resistance to restraint.

the obstreperous demonstrators were arrested

When could vociferous be used to replace strident?

The synonyms vociferous and strident are sometimes interchangeable, but vociferous implies a vehement shouting or calling out.

vociferous cries of protest and outrage

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 strident Taking the podium in Beijing’s cavernous Great Hall of the People, Premier Li Qiang unveiled a 7% bump on defense spending while using strident language for the self-ruling island, over which China claims dominion. Charlie Campbell, Time, 6 Mar. 2026 The dispensing of moral instruction is an often tiresome staple of child-friendly animation, but the lessons that Mabel must learn—to be less impulsive, less strident, and more willing to see the good in others—also turn out to be shrewd organizational and negotiating tactics. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 6 Mar. 2026 Unlike parts of Chicago and some of the closer-in suburbs, this isn’t an area where strident arguments about the emotional issues that have divided Democrats — support for Israel, for example — play as well with voters. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026 Under his leadership, Harvard has made tangible progress with even the most strident critics agreeing Harvard is making great progress. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 1 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for strident
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strident
Adjective
  • Sánchez was also among the most vocal critics of Israel's actions in its war in Gaza.
    ABC News, ABC News, 30 Mar. 2026
  • But despite his vocal disinterest in acquiring old legacy brands, the Axel Springer CEO has repeatedly attempted to do the opposite.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The pair are joined by 14 others, including conwoman Anna Delvey and outspoken influencer Hallie Batchelder.
    Peter White, Deadline, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Actress and singer Selena Gomez continues to be outspoken about mental health following her diagnosis with bipolar disorder.
    Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The experience of Gando will also enrich a timber day-care center now going up on a noisy street in Munich.
    Justin Davidson, Curbed, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Greg Bovino, Border Patrol’s former commander at large, with the big coat that definitely does not give off a Nazi vibe, got one of the noisiest, rock-star receptions at CPAC when he was brought on stage by podcaster Benny Johnson.
    Rob Crilly, The Washington Examiner, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • There was more screaming and yelling for people who wanted to get a ventilator available in their home.
    Chris Lee, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2021
Adjective
  • The exploitation of the American people and the blatant disregard for our well-being has reached unprecedented levels.
    Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Illinois and Chicago are high-tax, big-promise blue strongholds with long, tawdry histories of waste, fraud, patronage, insider deals and blatant corruption.
    Andy Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Strident.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strident. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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