# strident

/ˈstɹaɪdənt/ (US) · /stɹˈaɪdənt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/strident
Updated: 2026-10-17

## Definition

very loud, harsh and sharp in a way that hurts your ears. You also use it for a voice or opinion that is strong, forceful and hard to ignore.

For teachers: loud, harsh, and grating in tone, often unpleasantly shrill. Extends to speech, criticism, or opinions delivered with forceful and unyielding insistence.

## Examples

- Her strident voice fills the small classroom.
- The neighbours complain about the strident alarm that rings every morning at six.
- Despite the strident debate in parliament, the committee reached a quiet compromise late in the evening.

## Synonyms

shrill, piercing, raucous, harsh, grating, vociferous

## Antonyms

soft, quiet, gentle, mellow

## Usage notes

- Typically placed before the noun it modifies; also used predicatively after linking verbs like 'be' or 'sound'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.