GNARLY Synonyms: 99 Similar and Opposite Words

gnarly

adjective

Definition of gnarly

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 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 Castillo shared a memory of working on a gnarly scene in HBO’s Task, where he was greatly assisted by an intense makeover. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 26 July 2026 And the tendency toward practical effects over CG is satisfying, highlighting makeup designer Jane O’Kane’s gnarly work. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for gnarly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gnarly

Adjective

The animation is truly ugly, the characters moving at the framerate of a PowerPoint and looking less like the animals they’re supposed to be than weird hybrid troll creatures.

— Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 21 Aug. 2026
The wrong paint color, outdated furniture, and yes, even an ugly light fixture could be aging your home and (ugh) majorly cramping its style.

— Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of ugly

Adjective

As a result, almost every local government would face hellish decisions — weighing cuts to emergency services like police and fire against libraries, recreational programs and senior centers.

— Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026
But as the episode closes out on another flash-forward to Joe’s captivity, we’re reminded that the plan of escape from this hellish timeline only throws her deeper into its clutches.

— Andy Andersen, Vulture, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of hellish

Adjective

Of course, this horrid wave of diarrhea-inflicting illness wasn’t dumped from the sky by a crown-sporting octogenarian president zooming around in a fighter jet.

— Maggie Harrison Dupré, Futurism, 20 Aug. 2026
The horrid digital-botox prologue feels like an explosion at the Unnecessary Cameo Factory.

— EW Staff, Entertainment Weekly, 3 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

Grabs a ketchup bottle and garnishes his face, before squirting mustard into his hateful, piggish eyes.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Aug. 2026
Doukoure characterized Tuesday's rhetoric as hateful but said CAIR and members of the Muslim community have become accustomed to being targeted because of their advocacy.

— Gino Vicci, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of hateful

Browse Nearby Words

G-men

gnarly

gnash

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“Gnarly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gnarly. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of gnarly

adjective

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