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 When Estrada finally landed one of the culprits, the 18-inch round, silver fish had a massive set of gnarly chompers. — Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 26 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for gnarly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gnarly

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

These flashbacks betray where writer-director-cinematographer-editor Tsukamoto’s filmmaking interests really lie, which is in the gruesome recreation of hideous acts of barbarism and cruelty.

— Jessica Kiang, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
At this point in the operation, even formerly adorable homes begin to look hideous.

— Nicola Twilley, New Yorker, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of hideous

Adjective

As the film smash cuts to black on a frustratingly open-ended, very end-of-episode-one-style cliffhanger, the only conclusion is that in such a hellish scenario, no decision can ever be definitively judged to be the right one.

— Jessica Kiang, Variety, 9 Sep. 2026
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

Definition of hellish

Adjective

Kraus’ paean to peace is written in the most luxurious and loathsome language imaginable — in one very long and fractured sentence.

— The Know, Denver Post, 6 Sep. 2026
People commonly used tobacco to treat many ailments, including indigestion, respiratory problems, pain and loathsome mouth afflictions.

— Katherine Ott, The Conversation, 2 July 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

Mary Petchlikoff, 69, of Dearborn, recalls mobilizing on 9/11 to help protect Muslim students who were starting to receive some hateful harassment.

— Niraj Warikoo, Freep.com, 12 Sep. 2026
Some critics predicted Mohammed would use a trial as a platform to spread hateful views of America and its allies.

— ABC News, ABC News, 11 Sep. 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 17 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of gnarly

adjective

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