GROTESQUE Synonyms: 170 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'grotesque' different from other adjectives like it?

The words bizarre and fantastic are common synonyms of grotesque . While all three words mean "conceived, made, or carried out without adherence to truth or reality," grotesque may apply to what is conventionally ugly but artistically effective or it may connote ludicrous awkwardness or incongruity often with sinister or tragic overtones. // grotesque statues on the cathedral // though grieving, she made a grotesque attempt at a smile

Q: When could 'bizarre' be used to replace 'grotesque'?

In some situations, the words bizarre and grotesque are roughly equivalent. However, bizarre applies to the sensationally strange and implies violence of contrast or incongruity of combination. // a bizarre medieval castle in the heart of a modern city

Q: When would 'fantastic' be a good substitute for 'grotesque'?

The words fantastic and grotesque are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fantastic may connote extravagance in conception or ingenuity of decorative invention. // dreamed up fantastic rumors

Q: How is the word 'grotesque' different from other adjectives like it?

The words bizarre and fantastic are common synonyms of grotesque . While all three words mean "conceived, made, or carried out without adherence to truth or reality," grotesque may apply to what is conventionally ugly but artistically effective or it may connote ludicrous awkwardness or incongruity often with sinister or tragic overtones. // grotesque statues on the cathedral // though grieving, she made a grotesque attempt at a smile

Q: When could 'bizarre' be used to replace 'grotesque'?

In some situations, the words bizarre and grotesque are roughly equivalent. However, bizarre applies to the sensationally strange and implies violence of contrast or incongruity of combination. // a bizarre medieval castle in the heart of a modern city

Q: When would 'fantastic' be a good substitute for 'grotesque'?

The words fantastic and grotesque are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fantastic may connote extravagance in conception or ingenuity of decorative invention. // dreamed up fantastic rumors

grotesque 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of grotesque next

as in loud

disagreeable to one's aesthetic or artistic sense the gaudy, overdecorated interior of the gambling casino was just too grotesque for my taste

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in ugly

unpleasant to look at that bloody Halloween mask is grotesque

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

grotesque

2 of 2

noun

grō-ˈtesk

as in monster

a strange or horrible and often frightening creature a gallery of grotesques from some horror movie

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

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

The words bizarre and fantastic are common synonyms of grotesque. While all three words mean "conceived, made, or carried out without adherence to truth or reality," grotesque may apply to what is conventionally ugly but artistically effective or it may connote ludicrous awkwardness or incongruity often with sinister or tragic overtones.

grotesque statues on the cathedral

though grieving, she made a grotesque attempt at a smile

When could bizarre be used to replace grotesque?

In some situations, the words bizarre and grotesque are roughly equivalent. However, bizarre applies to the sensationally strange and implies violence of contrast or incongruity of combination.

a bizarre medieval castle in the heart of a modern city

When would fantastic be a good substitute for grotesque?

The words fantastic and grotesque are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fantastic may connote extravagance in conception or ingenuity of decorative invention.

dreamed up fantastic rumors

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

grotesque statues on the cathedral

though grieving, she made a grotesque attempt at a smile

When could bizarre be used to replace grotesque?

In some situations, the words bizarre and grotesque are roughly equivalent. However, bizarre applies to the sensationally strange and implies violence of contrast or incongruity of combination.

a bizarre medieval castle in the heart of a modern city

When would fantastic be a good substitute for grotesque?

The words fantastic and grotesque are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fantastic may connote extravagance in conception or ingenuity of decorative invention.

dreamed up fantastic rumors

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 grotesque

Adjective

Via Mormino Penna is one of Sicily’s most theatrical streetscapes, lined with facades adorned with apotropaic masks, grotesque faces meant to ward off evil. —

Jenn Rice, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2026 But the pandemic also exposed the grotesque unfairness of our economy and society in deeply personal ways, cutting across the red-blue divide. —

George Packer, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026

Noun

Their creative collaboration, taking inspiration from ivory anatomy figures to settle on a look that balances the beauty with the grotesque, is an achievement that has more than made the 10 hours in the makeup chair each day worth it. —

Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 12 Nov. 2025 More recently, the trend has leaned even more surreal, even into the grotesque. —

Emily Johnson, Architectural Digest, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grotesque

Recent Examples of Synonyms for grotesque

Adjective

After a steal and dunk by Reed put UConn back up by six, Huskies coach Dan Hurley began waving his arms wildly at the fans behind his bench, exhorting them to be louder.

— CBS News, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
In order to make sure horses keep their cool among loud, unpredictable crowds, officers do desensitization training with speakers, sirens, inflatable tube men, kazoos, fireworks, flags and all manner of annoyances.

— AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 27 Mar. 2026