gnarly

adjective

Definition of gnarlynext
slang
as in ugly

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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 gnarly Except in the hardware world, those gnarly activities include some sick online gaming, which is what makes Alienware a household name in high-performance gaming. — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026 Andretti nailed a gnarly 450 splash on Rush through the table. — Ryan Gaydos Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2026 At the center of the hypothesis is the Riemann zeta function, a gnarly equation involving a sum of infinitely many pieces. — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 6 Aug. 2026 To judge by the vocabulary deployed in its pages, the book belongs in the inner sanctum of literary theory, where the walls are hung with gnarly rhetorical tropes. — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gnarly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gnarly
  1. ugly
  2. hideous
  3. disgusting
  4. hellish
  5. loathsome
  6. horrid
  7. beastly
  8. hateful
Adjective
  • But the core four aren’t the only transplants from Woodsboro, as Ghostface soon rears its ugly head, directly targeting them and whomever else is caught up in their orbit.
    — Michael Lee Simpson, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Especially if ugly seasons like last year pile up and the problem continues to snowball.
    — James Mirtle, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of ugly
Adjective
  • At this point in the operation, even formerly adorable homes begin to look hideous.
    — Nicola Twilley, New Yorker, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Illiteracy, and its centuries-long ongoing epidemic, is hideous.
    — Liza Lentini, SPIN, 21 July 2026
Definition of hideous
Adjective
  • There is real hope of a postseason push, with the disgusting state of the American League leaving the door open for any team that dares to play well.
    — Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • This whole situation is discriminatory, disgusting, and quite frankly, Orwellian.
    — Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of disgusting
Adjective
  • There’s a distinct vibe shift on September 10, which could send you on an unexpected short trip to connect one-on-one with someone, and in the most grumblingly mundane sense, could make for a day of hellish commutes.
    — Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The probe flew within 21,564 miles (34,675 kilometers) of the hellish planet, taking the first close measurements of Venus at the time.
    — Tariq Malik, Space.com, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of hellish
Adjective
  • People commonly used tobacco to treat many ailments, including indigestion, respiratory problems, pain and loathsome mouth afflictions.
    — Katherine Ott, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
  • Platner is loathsome in so many ways.
    — Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 3 June 2026
Definition of loathsome
Adjective
  • As excavations for the foundation got underway, bones and decomposing bodies were found, releasing a horrid odor and spreading yellow fever across the island.
    — Victoria Davies, Rolling Stone, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Cantu’s wife, who heard her husband, then exits the home and comes to the horrid realization that her husband is dead or dying on the front yard.
    — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of horrid
Adjective
  • The German tuner, known for turning luxe cars from Lamborghini to Bentley into absurd, beastly powerhouses, has teamed up with the folks at Sunreef on a new 55-foot cat.
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 28 July 2026
  • Yet Corsini transforms his shocking premise into a beastly and beautiful character study, one that’s smartly supported by a mostly Italian ensemble and truly revelatory second antagonist.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 24 July 2026
Definition of beastly
Adjective
  • Mercury guard Kahleah Copper, Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams and Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud have also spoken about receiving hateful messages.
    — Mike Wilson, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Yiannopoulos’ acerbic and at times hateful speech attracted the fury of students who argued his views should not be platformed.
    — Eduardo Cuevas, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of hateful

Browse Nearby Words

G-men
gnarly
gnash
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Cite this Entry

“Gnarly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gnarly. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

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