grueling

adjective

gru·​el·​ing ˈgrü-ə-liŋ How to pronounce grueling (audio)
variants or gruelling
Synonyms of gruelingnext
: trying or taxing to the point of exhaustion : punishing
a grueling race
a grueling schedule
gruelingly adverb

Examples of grueling in a Sentence

running a marathon is grueling cutting diamonds can be grueling work
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
But alas, Netflix‘s documentary about the rise and fall of America’s Next Top Model is a rather grueling and self-serious affair which attempts to turn the reality hit that ran for 24 seasons into a cultural war crime. James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 16 Feb. 2026 Having won 10 grueling races, that boat proved foiling could survive offshore conditions, not only flat water or short-course racing like the America’s Cup or SailGP. Helen Iatrou, Robb Report, 15 Feb. 2026 When someone falls ill, the daily routine can become grueling. Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 13 Feb. 2026 The battle of Fort Necessity was a grueling, daylong engagement in the mud and rain. Christopher Magra, The Conversation, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for grueling

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of obsolete gruel to exhaust, punish, from gruel, noun

First Known Use

1852, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of grueling was in 1852

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Grueling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grueling. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

grueling

adjective
gru·​el·​ing
variants or gruelling
: requiring extreme effort : exhausting

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