Definitions

nitty-gritty

[nit-ee-grit-ee] / ˈnɪt iˈgrɪt i /

NOUN

basic facts

Synonyms

STRONG

basics core essence focus fundamentals gist heart kernel meat quintessence reality root soul substance

WEAK

bottom line brass tacks chief part chief thing cold fact essential details essential part hard fact heart of the matter important matter meat and potatoes name of the game nuts and bolts the facts the name of the game

Antonyms

STRONG

exterior exteriority outside surface

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.

Brand names such as Mercedes and Audi might conjure up images of wide-open autobahns, but when it comes to Formula One, the real nitty-gritty happens in Brackley and Bicester.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

While Brussels is setting out the nitty-gritty of the reforms it wants from Magyar, leaders will also be pushing for a new approach on Ukraine.

From Barron's • Apr. 29, 2026

Say you don’t pay much attention to the nitty-gritty of politics and think they’re all a bunch of clowns.

From Slate • Apr. 18, 2026

His advice is to really get into the nitty-gritty of what might go wrong with the vehicle and how much repairs might cost.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 17, 2026

The nitty-gritty details of the historical event itself might slip in and out of my brain like water through a screen, but this, this I could do.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

nitty-gritty

Example Sentences

Related Words