1
as in gruff
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance
a grim and desolate landscape a grim and short-tempered shopkeeper who didn't exactly invite friendly conversation
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2
as in harsh
difficult to endure
this winter is supposed to be particularly grim, so stock up on firewood
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3
as in relentless
showing no signs of slackening or yielding in one's purpose
with grim determination, the woman worked three jobs to put her fatherless children through college
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4
as in savage
violently unfriendly or aggressive in disposition
grim warriors heading into battle
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of grim
His story begins with a grim discovery and ends with a display of joy that reveals something remarkable about resilience in the animal world.
—
Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 22 Apr. 2026
Hundreds of birds faced an uncertain future — and for roosters rescued from fighting rings, that future is often grim.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026
Meanwhile, a grim war of attrition continues along the about 1,250-kilometer (800-mile) front line that snakes along eastern and southern areas of Ukraine.
—ABC News, 22 Apr. 2026
Meanwhile, a grim war of attrition continues along the roughly 800-mile front line that snakes along eastern and southern areas of Ukraine.
—Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for grim
Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 22 Apr. 2026
Hundreds of birds faced an uncertain future — and for roosters rescued from fighting rings, that future is often grim.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026
Meanwhile, a grim war of attrition continues along the about 1,250-kilometer (800-mile) front line that snakes along eastern and southern areas of Ukraine.
—ABC News, 22 Apr. 2026
Meanwhile, a grim war of attrition continues along the roughly 800-mile front line that snakes along eastern and southern areas of Ukraine.
—Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for grim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grim
Adjective
-
McVay raised some eyebrows Thursday night with his gruff demeanor following the pick of Simpson.—
Adam Grosbard,
Oc Register,
25 Apr. 2026
-
As previously announced, Burr plays a gruff American record-store owner who convinces a ragtag gang of teenage misfits that their best, and possibly only, chance to lose their virginity before graduating high school is at a massive open-air mass for the visiting Pope.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Accusations were made, lawsuits were filed, harsh words were spoken and feelings were hurt.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
30 Apr. 2026
-
It’s prized for sculpting a high-definition lip that holds up under the harshest red-carpet lighting.—
Micaela English,
Glamour,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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All three are relentless in puck battles, and Östlund adds just enough playmaking to complement Benson and Doan, both of whom love getting to the front of the net.—
Fluto Shinzawa,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2026
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The show traces Knox’s relentless years–long fight to prove her innocence and reclaim her freedom while examining why authorities and the world stood so firmly in judgment against her.—
Destiny Jackson,
Deadline,
26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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This time playing an underling rather than a boss, Hoskins gave one of the best performances of his career in what remains a high point for Jordan as well, a lyrical and poignant yet savage film noir filled with regret, rage, and unrequited love.—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
20 Apr. 2026
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The famed African American journalist investigated lynchings across the South and wrote about the savage incidents that the white press had already explained away.—
Case Thorp,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
An Ada County judge let a Boise woman who stole jewelry from hospice patients off without prison time — but not without a stern warning and alternative punishment.—
Sally Krutzig,
Idaho Statesman,
28 Apr. 2026
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When addressing Chasing Horse, Peterson took on a stern tone and admonished the actor and his attorney, Craig Mueller, for denying the charges and downplaying evidence of assault.—
Alexandra Del Rosario,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Lightly coated with oil and tossed occasionally in a searing hot skillet or wok, even tough beans turn silky, and ready to coat in a finishing blast of chiles.—
The Bon Appétit Staff,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
1 May 2026
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Comfortable travel can be achieved with stretchy, breathable pants, but securing a pair that hits those marks while looking stylish can be tough.—
Rachel Trujillo,
Travel + Leisure,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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But thanks to one very determined dog, Delp’s draft day celebration is now famous for an entirely different reason.—
Sara Vallone,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Delp, the 22-year-old former Georgia Bulldogs tight end was selected by the New Orleans Saints on April 24 during the third round of the NFL draft, and the video of that special moment has quickly gone viral — thanks in no small part to his pup’s determined quest for a seat.—
Sara Vallone,
Miami Herald,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Behind a ferocious defense and an offense that couldn’t miss, the Knicks led by 25 points after one quarter, by as many as 51 points in the first half, and by as many as 61 points after halftime.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
1 May 2026
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Mo Chara and Móglaí Bap have always been ferocious rappers, two goliaths spitting bilingual bars over gritty electronica with the couplet-completing precision of Run the Jewels.—
Dean Van Nguyen,
Pitchfork,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Grim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grim. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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