Strident

1. adjective

   of speech sounds produced by forcing air through a constricted passage (as `f', `s', `z', or `th' in both `thin' and `then')

   Similar: fricative, continuant, sibilant, spirant

2. adjective

   conspicuously and offensively loud; given to vehement outcry

   “blatant radios”

   Similar: blatant, clamant, clamorous, vociferous

3. adjective

   being sharply insistent on being heard

   “strident demands”

   Similar: shrill

4. adjective

   unpleasantly loud and harsh

   Similar: raucous