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 Adrenaline junkies should consider a trip that involves the notoriously gnarly Cherry Creek section, a nine-mile stretch of intense Class V whitewater, but the local rivers also allow for more relaxing, Class III floats. — Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 5 Sep. 2026 This plot and the film’s glossy aping of grindhouse aesthetics suggest the movie will be gnarly and boldly engrossing. — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026 In 2021’s The Card Counter, a man contends with a gnarly history of military torture. — Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 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 See All Example Sentences for gnarly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gnarly

Adjective

That's on the heels of a 41-7 blowout at Northwestern that was ugly enough for Deion Sanders to dismiss a handful of players for conduct detrimental to the team days later.

— Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026
In a world where (good, bad and ugly) answers and options are available, an employer needs a workforce that understands the business objectives and can weed through the noise to identify and execute the best solution.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of ugly

Adjective

Another reason to feel supreme confidence in this team’s juggernaut potential is that Chicago’s defense appears to be just as hideous as the fantasy community had hoped.

— Andy Behrens, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Three seconds later, I was surrounded by hideous monsters who were probably nice kids before the local NBC news devoted the feature story on their prime-time show Weekend to an in-depth study of English punk.

— Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of hideous

Adjective

Their gathering at a secluded house quickly turns into a hellish reunion as the family members turn into Deadites.

— Mya Copeland, Variety, 25 Sep. 2026
It‘s about you and me and getting through this god-awful, soul-sucking, mind-crushing hellish grind for the past two years.

— Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of hellish

Adjective

Given French’s loathsome history, Abbott and others in the party establishment worked hard to keep him from winning the Republican nomination, Rice noted.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026
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

Definition of loathsome

Adjective

The last thing Deion Sanders wants is for this to snowball into another horrid season, with a select few players not taking things seriously in the locker room.

— Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026
The average life expectancy was six weeks in horrid conditions.

— Megan Shinn, CBS News, 20 Sep. 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

Calling yourself compassionate doesn't excuse dangerous accusations What, exactly, is hateful about a mother or father wanting their daughter to have a female-only locker room?

— Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2026
His parents denied any wrongdoing in an interview with ABC10 News and said the family does not hold hateful beliefs.

— Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 24 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 2 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of gnarly

adjective

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