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.

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

Get into the nitty-gritty early on so you’re not scrambling the day of.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 28, 2025

It’s about dealing with the nitty-gritty details of making sure the fleet is ready to be in service.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 8, 2025

The boy did, going on at length about every nitty-gritty detail of the epic battle.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

nitty-gritty

Example Sentences

Related Words