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
The Hill reports that the proposal has been sent to the CBO for its analysis, but the answer is likely to be grim.
—
Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Meanwhile, Hollywood hopes its coming summer will reflect the buoyant result of the moment, rather than a throwback to the grim times of 2023.
—Peter Bart, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2025
His grim work handling dead sheep gives the movie its title, but little time is actually spent at Stan’s job.
—Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2025
One such fragment of the original George III statue, found in a swamp in Connecticut, will be part of the Museum of the City of New York’s 250th-anniversary exhibition, spotlighting the grim period between that celebratory moment and the departure of British forces in 1783.
—John Hanc, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for grim
Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Meanwhile, Hollywood hopes its coming summer will reflect the buoyant result of the moment, rather than a throwback to the grim times of 2023.
—Peter Bart, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2025
His grim work handling dead sheep gives the movie its title, but little time is actually spent at Stan’s job.
—Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2025
One such fragment of the original George III statue, found in a swamp in Connecticut, will be part of the Museum of the City of New York’s 250th-anniversary exhibition, spotlighting the grim period between that celebratory moment and the departure of British forces in 1783.
—John Hanc, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for grim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grim
Adjective
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Fimmel digs into the more stereotypical gruff bounty hunter with relish, though the character itself is a western staple.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
1 May 2025
-
There’s a gruff lyricism to the performance that’s entrancing even when Elmer is standing up in a coffin.—
Charles McNulty,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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This garment gets exposed to harsher conditions than most clothing.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
11 May 2025
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From adorable accents to cozy touches, drivers are increasingly looking for ways to make their commutes and grocery runs just a bit more enjoyable—perhaps to offset the harsh reality of gas prices (and everything else).—
Cori Sears,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 May 2025
Adjective
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Chalk it up to fashion’s relentless hunger for newness, its long-standing obsession with youth — plus a new appreciation for internal mobility, observers say.—
Footwear News,
Footwear News,
5 May 2025
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The relentless exploitation of the species continued through the 18th and 19th centuries.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
Adjective
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As savage Arctic cold was getting ready to surge south across North America, vivid imagery based on data from weather models showed us what was going to happen.—
Tom Yulsman,
Discover Magazine,
27 Dec. 2022
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The 2023 grand marshal is former Arizona Democratic congresswoman Gabby Giffords, gravely wounded in a savage mass shooting in 2011 that also killed six people.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Dec. 2022
Adjective
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The president shared no caption alongside the image, which depicts him sitting with a stern expression and holding up one finger while wearing white and gold papal attire, including a large cross necklace.—
Bailey Richards,
People.com,
3 May 2025
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However, none will have criminal records after their cases are adjudicated, under a deal the district attorney offered during a stern press conference on Tuesday.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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Dodging tough questions without seeming a bit evasive.—
Wesley Stenzel,
EW.com,
10 May 2025
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Last year’s drought conditions that extended into late fall combined with very windy winter conditions and frozen soils were tough for some evergreens.—
Pamm Cooper,
Hartford Courant,
10 May 2025
Adjective
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And if culture is the battlefield, Abdul Muhammad II is determined to win—not with force, but with wisdom.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
10 May 2025
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Animal lovers have been left in stitches by a young German shepherd dog who discovered a spot of light on the floor and was determined to get to the bottom of it.—
Rachael O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 May 2025
Adjective
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The crisis is in plain view and the wind is ferocious.—
Mark A. Cohen,
Forbes.com,
12 May 2025
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His Hozier cover was at turns strategic and nuanced, then unleashed and ferocious.—
Charlie Mason,
TVLine,
5 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Grim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grim. Accessed 17 May. 2025.
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