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Definition of grossnext
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gross

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noun

gross

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word gross different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of gross are coarse, obscene, ribald, and vulgar. While all these words mean "offensive to good taste or morals," gross implies extreme coarseness and insensitiveness.

gross eating habits

When can coarse be used instead of gross?

The synonyms coarse and gross are sometimes interchangeable, but coarse implies roughness, rudeness, or crudeness of spirit, behavior, or language.

found the coarse humor of coworkers offensive

Where would obscene be a reasonable alternative to gross?

Although the words obscene and gross have much in common, obscene applies to anything strongly repulsive to the sense of decency and propriety especially in sexual matters.

obscene language not allowed on the air

When could ribald be used to replace gross?

The meanings of ribald and gross largely overlap; however, ribald applies to what is amusingly or picturesquely vulgar or irreverent or mildly indecent.

entertained the campers with ribald folk songs

When is it sensible to use vulgar instead of gross?

While in some cases nearly identical to gross, vulgar often implies boorishness or ill-breeding.

a loud vulgar belch

How is the word gross different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of gross are coarse, obscene, ribald, and vulgar. While all these words mean "offensive to good taste or morals," gross implies extreme coarseness and insensitiveness.

gross eating habits

When can coarse be used instead of gross?

The synonyms coarse and gross are sometimes interchangeable, but coarse implies roughness, rudeness, or crudeness of spirit, behavior, or language.

found the coarse humor of coworkers offensive

Where would obscene be a reasonable alternative to gross?

Although the words obscene and gross have much in common, obscene applies to anything strongly repulsive to the sense of decency and propriety especially in sexual matters.

obscene language not allowed on the air

When could ribald be used to replace gross?

The meanings of ribald and gross largely overlap; however, ribald applies to what is amusingly or picturesquely vulgar or irreverent or mildly indecent.

entertained the campers with ribald folk songs

When is it sensible to use vulgar instead of gross?

While in some cases nearly identical to gross, vulgar often implies boorishness or ill-breeding.

a loud vulgar belch

How is the word gross different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of gross are coarse, obscene, ribald, and vulgar. While all these words mean "offensive to good taste or morals," gross implies extreme coarseness and insensitiveness.

gross eating habits

When can coarse be used instead of gross?

The synonyms coarse and gross are sometimes interchangeable, but coarse implies roughness, rudeness, or crudeness of spirit, behavior, or language.

found the coarse humor of coworkers offensive

Where would obscene be a reasonable alternative to gross?

Although the words obscene and gross have much in common, obscene applies to anything strongly repulsive to the sense of decency and propriety especially in sexual matters.

obscene language not allowed on the air

When could ribald be used to replace gross?

The meanings of ribald and gross largely overlap; however, ribald applies to what is amusingly or picturesquely vulgar or irreverent or mildly indecent.

entertained the campers with ribald folk songs

When is it sensible to use vulgar instead of gross?

While in some cases nearly identical to gross, vulgar often implies boorishness or ill-breeding.

a loud vulgar belch

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of gross
Adjective
Those operators will be permitted to deduct certain operating expenses from taxable gross income that were previously prohibited, such as payroll, rent, utilities and insurance. Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2026 The petition seeking a special prosecutor is frivolous, contains baseless allegations and gross misrepresentations of the law. Sabrina Franza, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
The executive announcement is the latest in a series of career updates for Leavitt, who recently broke Chicago’s record for highest weekly gross in the box office across the Broadway show’s 29 year history. Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 8 Apr. 2026 The median horror gross this quarter was around $7 million — meaning most of these movies barely registered with consumers despite a wide theatrical release. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
And, as of Tuesday (Feb. 17), the film has grossed $38 million domestically and $22.8 million internationally for a worldwide tally of $60.8 million. Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 18 Feb. 2026 The descriptions of dead bodies on the true crime podcasts gross me out, but to see it in person is something else entirely. Danielle Parker, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gross
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gross
Adjective
  • For instance, the ruling recognized that the government’s need to protect national security might require it to prevent publication of the number and location of troops and that the primary requirements of decency might require censorship of obscene publications.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Bounds said this gives the mayor the power to intervene when a member of the public engages in obscene speech or in speech intended to incite others in the room.
    Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Packed with multiple forms of hyaluronic acid, this milky lotion promises plump, glassy skin.
    Anita Bhagwandas, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Niacinamide helps brighten and even things out, while hyaluronic acid floods skin with hydration for a plump, fresh look.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Plastic trinkets and graffiti, television sets and bumper stickers, road signs and wigs—many might describe these items as disposable culture, signs of America’s crass habit of regarding anything as art.
    Hua Hsu, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Alas, Deborah’s crass attempt to extort her fans immediately goes sideways.
    Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Biopics entertain their own special relationship to the truth, but how often is one railed as inaccurate to the point of blatant dishonesty?
    Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 24 Apr. 2026
  • These complaints demonstrate a clear and consistent pattern of obfuscation and blatant disregard of campaign finance laws.
    John Gates, Denver Post, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The water is disgusting-looking.
    Adam England, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026
  • These words then take on guilt by association because of the things we have been socialized to find unpleasant, uncomfortable, or disgusting.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Mehdi Bostanchi owns a ventilation and air conditioning factory, and a second producing household fans, with a total of more than 1,130 employees.
    Amir-Hussein Radjy, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
  • As part of his plea agreements, Jones agreed to give up a total of $73,000 and, at sentencing, could be ordered to pay additional sums as restitution.
    Michael R. Sisak, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Oil revenues were at their lowest since the start of the Ukraine war.
    Sudarsan Raghavan, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2026
  • YouTube personalities who generate revenue from advertising depend on high numbers of views to make more money, so they are incentivized to create content that is more outrageous and likely to go viral.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The fraud scheme netted $20 million from fraudulent loans that Davis and Evins used to buy real estate, jewelry and cars, according to the complaint.
    Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Striker Harry Kane netted his 53rd goal of another prolific season on Saturday and right winger Michael Olise also was on target as Bayern rallied from 3-0 down at halftime to beat Mainz 4-3 in the Bundesliga.
    ABC News, ABC News, 28 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gross.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gross. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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