1
as in harsh
difficult to endure
the months of chemotherapy seemed almost as grievous an affliction as the cancer itself
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2
as in painful
hard to accept or bear especially emotionally
the death of a spouse can be a grievous loss from which one never recovers
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3
as in dangerous
involving potential loss or injury
a grievous wound that requires a doctor's immediate attention
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4
as in tragic
of a kind to cause great distress
the grievous cost of the war in human lives weighed heavily on the president's mind
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of grievous
The 36-year-old American star — currently on tour in Europe — is accused of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm to music producer Abraham Diaw just hours after performing to thousands at a venue in Cardiff, Wales.
—
Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2025
Afterward, Brown pleaded not guilty to a charge of grievous bodily harm with intent, The New York Times reports.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2025
The worst-case scenarios are dire: A cycle of Israeli and Iranian counterstrikes that draw in the U.S., Iran’s non-state allies, and regional states, cause grievous harm to civilians on all sides, and inject profound uncertainty into global markets.
—Ali Vaez, Time, 14 June 2025
Just last month, a London court granted him bail following charges of grievous bodily harm related to an alleged 2023 nightclub incident involving music producer Abraham Diaw.
—Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for grievous
Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2025
Afterward, Brown pleaded not guilty to a charge of grievous bodily harm with intent, The New York Times reports.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2025
The worst-case scenarios are dire: A cycle of Israeli and Iranian counterstrikes that draw in the U.S., Iran’s non-state allies, and regional states, cause grievous harm to civilians on all sides, and inject profound uncertainty into global markets.
—Ali Vaez, Time, 14 June 2025
Just last month, a London court granted him bail following charges of grievous bodily harm related to an alleged 2023 nightclub incident involving music producer Abraham Diaw.
—Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for grievous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grievous
Adjective
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The biggest change was the introduction of the punitive second apron, which imposed harsh team-building restrictions on teams that crossed said line.—
Bryan Toporek,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
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Unlike harsher retinoids, this one is gentle enough for sensitive skin.—
Simon Hill,
Wired News,
10 July 2025
Adjective
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On the Blue Devils’ flight home from San Antonio, there Scheyer was: digesting the game tape, reliving the most painful defeat he’s suffered in three seasons coaching his alma mater.—
Brendan Marks,
New York Times,
9 July 2025
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Bernie had facial fractures, cuts and bruises around his face, and very painful muscle injuries.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 July 2025
Adjective
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Don’t forget the sunscreen Looking toward the rest of that sun protection, a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 will often be sufficient to protect your skin from dangerous UV radiation.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
11 July 2025
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This led to the state’s adoption of the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 and many related laws meant to lessen the emissions that contribute to drier, hotter and increasingly dangerous conditions across the world — and to inspire other governments to follow suit.—
U T Editorial Board,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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What remains, then, is a growing list of tragic lessons.—
Alexander Puutio,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
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As images continue to emerge, USA TODAY is asking anyone willing to share photos or video of the tragic aftermath to submit them here.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
8 July 2025
Adjective
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Football is certainly another, which is why rapper Kendrick Lamar’s willingness to hold a mirror to America during his Super Bowl halftime performance was so searing in its power.—
Andrea Williams,
The Tennessean,
2 July 2025
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Netflix continues to expand its reality TV universe, with The Ultimatum franchise returning for another searing test of love and commitment.—
Allison DeGrushe Published,
EW.com,
2 July 2025
Adjective
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Politics remains a cruel business and the governor has been on the frontline of it for nearly 20 years, winning and losing.—
Kevin Rennie,
Hartford Courant,
5 July 2025
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They were joined by actors playing the contestants, who lurched along wearing expressions of exaggerated horror, as though the cruel stakes of the game had just been revealed to them.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
4 July 2025
Adjective
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Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for hazardous conditions.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 July 2025
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Some have also reported hazardous biking conditions due to traffic.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
5 July 2025
Adjective
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And in the process of owning your role in the unfortunate circumstances, remember, never blame your superior or the board in a public forum.—
Carol Geffner,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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While Malle is clearly qualified to oversee editorial content, the timing is unfortunate for her chances.—
Laurie Brookins,
HollywoodReporter,
27 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Grievous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grievous. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.
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