granite

noun

gran·​ite ˈgra-nət How to pronounce granite (audio)
Synonyms of granitenext
1
: a very hard natural igneous rock formation of visibly crystalline texture formed essentially of quartz and orthoclase or microcline and used especially for building and for monuments
2
: unyielding firmness or endurance
… the cold granite of Puritan formalism.—V. L. Parrington
granitelike
ˈgra-nət-ˌlīk How to pronounce granite (audio)
adjective
granitic
gra-ˈni-tik How to pronounce granite (audio)
adjective
granitoid
ˈgra-nə-ˌtȯid How to pronounce granite (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of granite

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Examples of granite in a Sentence

had the granite to see the project out to the end
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 temple at Behbeit El-Hagar, parts of which remain, was notable for its extensive use of granite in the construction of monumental architectural elements. — News Desk, Artforum, 15 Oct. 2026 The team brought a horse and carriage to rumble along its steep granite tracks at dawn. — Charley Ward, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Oct. 2026 The archaeological mission also found a pink granite block about four feet long not far from the statues. — Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 14 Oct. 2026 Outside are bluestone patios, a modern pergola, a cedar sauna, and a guesthouse with a Brazilian granite island. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for granite

Word History

Etymology

Italian granito, from past participle of granire to granulate, from grano grain, from Latin granum

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of granite was in 1646

Rhymes for granite

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Browse Nearby Words

granita
granite
granite blue
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Cite this Entry

“Granite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/granite. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

granite

noun
gran·​ite ˈgran-ət How to pronounce granite (audio)
1
: a very hard rock that can be polished and is used in buildings and monuments
2
: unyielding firmness (as of character, will, or opinion)

More from Merriam-Webster on granite

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about granite

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