grain of salt

NOUN

reservation

Synonyms

STRONGEST

doubt restriction skepticism

STRONG

catch circumscription demur hesitancy kicker provision proviso qualification scruple string strings terms

WEAK

fine print

Antonyms

WEAK

openness

NOUN

restriction

Synonyms

STRONGEST

check condition constraint control curb limit regulation restraint rule stipulation stricture

STRONG

bounds brake catch circumscription confinement containment contraction cramp custody demarcation disability glitch hang-up inhibition limitation limits lock qualification reservation stint string

WEAK

ball and chain excess baggage fine print no-no small difficulty stumbling block

Antonyms

STRONGEST

allowance liberation permission

STRONG

advantage freedom help

WEAK

enlargement expansion release

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Researchers at Cornell University, working with collaborators, have created an extremely small neural implant that can sit on a grain of salt.

From Science Daily • Mar. 24, 2026

While China hit its growth target last year, it should be taken with "a grain of salt", as other data suggests a weaker economic picture, said Georgetown University policy researcher Ning Leng.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

But users of these chatbots should take all their advice with a grain of salt.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 2026

I take that with a grain of salt but, hey, I’m up for anything.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 8, 2026

Since Rose-Ivy took everything she heard with a grain of salt, she didn’t think the story about the haint made sense.

From "The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs" by Betty G. Birney

grain of salt

Example Sentences

Related Words