COME TO GRIEF Synonyms: 56 Similar and Opposite Words

come to grief

phrase

Definition of come to grief

as in collapse

to be unsuccessful His plans came to grief after a series of unforeseen setbacks.

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in fall short

to go wrong The expedition came to grief in the vast frozen expanse.

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for come to grief

Phrase

So much work has gone into getting bipartisan backing and support from the big power conferences that falling short would be a huge setback for the organization.

— Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 11 Sep. 2026
Stroud, offensive coordinator Nick Caley, the offensive line, the receivers and running backs, even the front office — were publicly and privately accountable for their part in the team falling short.

— Jourdan Rodrigue, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of fall short

Phrase

Then there’s the dubious CGI, which falls flat compared with the practical stunt work and effects that gave the first three films so much of their tactile charm.

— Frank DeRuggiero, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026
And contrary to popular belief, not all of last year’s big premieres fell flat at the Lido.

— Nate Jones, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of fall flat

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come to

come to grief

come to grips with

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“Come to grief.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/come%20to%20grief. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of come to grief

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