Synonyms of grisly

grisly

adjective

ˈgriz-lē 

as in gruesome

extremely disturbing or repellent

the police report described the murder scene in grisly detail

Synonyms & Similar Words

• gruesome
• horrific
• shocking
• nightmare
• horrible
• horrifying
• terrible
• frightening
• terrifying
• terrific
• macabre
• dreadful
• hideous
• awful
• nightmarish
• scary
• ghastly
• appalling
• sickening
• horrid
• lurid
• frightful
• monstrous
• horrendous
• atrocious
• disgusting
• grewsome
• alarming
• fearful
• grotesque
• ugly
• formidable
• obscene
• dire
• revolting
• loathsome
• offensive
• direful
• repulsive
• heinous
• unspeakable
• fearsome
• repugnant
• gut-wrenching
• abominable
• disagreeable
• forbidding
• intimidating
• deplorable
• abhorrent
• odious
• bloodcurdling
• obnoxious
• vile
• evil
• distasteful
• redoubtable
• hair-raising
• heart-stopping
• nauseating
• noxious
• noisome
• unsightly
• foul

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• pleasant
• delightful
• attractive
• delicious
• satisfying
• appealing
• enjoyable
• welcome
• agreeable
• pleasurable
• delectable
• enticing
• pleasing
• inviting
• comforting
• soothing
• cheering

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of grisly are ghastly, gruesome, lurid, and macabre. While all these words mean "horrifying and repellent in appearance or aspect," grisly and gruesome suggest additionally the results of extreme violence or cruelty.

an unusually grisly murder

suffered a gruesome death

When is ghastly a more appropriate choice than grisly?

Although the words ghastly and grisly have much in common, ghastly suggests the terrifying aspects of corpses and ghosts.

a ghastly accident

How do lurid and gruesome relate to one another, in the sense of grisly?

Lurid adds to gruesome the suggestion of shuddering fascination with violent death and especially with murder.

the lurid details of a crime

When might macabre be a better fit than grisly?

While the synonyms macabre and grisly are close in meaning, macabre implies a morbid preoccupation with the physical aspects of death.

a macabre tale of premature burial

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of grisly

Even when the action is at its grisliest, Coen quickly shifts to its absurdity and its latent comedy. —Richard Brody, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2025

While the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office began investigating the grisly murder, Aguasvivas-Lizardo sought to monitor its progress by receiving information from an Orange County deputy sheriff. —Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2025

This summer, Russia passed the grisly milestone of 1 million people killed or wounded as a result of the conflict. —Ilan Berman, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025

One of the invasive Burmese pythons plaguing South Florida met its demise in the jaws of an alligator, and the grisly scene played out in full view of tourists at Everglades National Park. —Mark Price, Miami Herald, 11 Aug. 2025

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!