grave 1 of 3

noun

ˈgrāv How to pronounce grave (audio)
Definition of gravenext
1
as in tomb
a final resting place for a dead person the forlorn boy put flowers on his mother's grave

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in death
the permanent stopping of all the vital bodily activities a rock star who found his early grave in a plane crash

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in dead
the state of being dead a terrible fear of the grave

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

grave

2 of 3

adjective

ˈgrāv How to pronounce grave (audio)
1
as in serious
having a matter of importance as its topic leaving gossip and celebrities to other magazines, this journal focuses on the grave issues confronting the nation

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dangerous
involving potential loss or injury going over Niagara Falls poses a grave danger

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in solemn
not joking or playful in mood or manner when I asked him how his dog was doing, he looked grave and said, "Not good"

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in deep
having a low musical pitch or range a grave hexachord

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

grave

3 of 3

verb

ˈgrāv How to pronounce grave (audio)
as in to etch
to cut (as letters or designs) on a hard surface the doomed climber graved his initials into the rock face

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word grave different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of grave are earnest, sedate, serious, sober, solemn, and staid. While all these words mean "not light or frivolous," grave implies both seriousness and dignity in expression or attitude.

read the proclamation in a grave voice

When can earnest be used instead of grave?

The synonyms earnest and grave are sometimes interchangeable, but earnest suggests sincerity or often zealousness of purpose.

an earnest reformer

Where would sedate be a reasonable alternative to grave?

The words sedate and grave can be used in similar contexts, but sedate implies a composed and decorous seriousness.

remained sedate amid the commotion

When would serious be a good substitute for grave?

While the synonyms serious and grave are close in meaning, serious implies a concern for what really matters.

a serious play about social injustice

In what contexts can sober take the place of grave?

Although the words sober and grave have much in common, sober stresses seriousness of purpose and absence of levity or frivolity.

a sober look at the state of our schools

When is solemn a more appropriate choice than grave?

The words solemn and grave are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, solemn suggests an impressive gravity utterly free from levity.

a sad and solemn occasion

When might staid be a better fit than grave?

In some situations, the words staid and grave are roughly equivalent. However, staid suggests a settled, accustomed sedateness and prim self-restraint.

a quiet and staid community

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 grave
Noun
But since then, an enormous freeway has been built next to it, and so their grave is right next to this highway. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2025 The movie’s alive, and the actors seize the day, from Mosaku’s grave and beautifully modulated Annie to Steinfeld’s note-perfect embodiment of a femme fatale who’s fatale in unusual ways. —Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
But when somebody is diagnosed with a grave illness, these questions become particularly important to acknowledge in medical conversations. —Michelle Riba, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2025 Buy Now Select Roald Dahl Children's Books Edited for Less Offensive and More Inclusive Language 14 of 15 'A Little Life' by Hanya Yanagihara Anyone who hasn't read this book is doing themselves a grave disservice and must rectify that immediately. —Lizz Schumer, People.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
Better yet, the superstar—who recently graved our TV screens on The White Lotus—worked with stylist Brett Alan Nelson to deliver custom outfits for the set. —Christian Allaire, Vogue, 19 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grave
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grave
  1. tomb
  2. death
  3. dead
  4. serious
  5. dangerous
  6. solemn
  7. deep
  8. etch
Noun
  • Who determined which Egyptians were buried in the tombs?
    — Jeff Campagna, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 May 2025
  • He was laid to rest on Saturday at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in a simple tomb as requested by the late pontiff, following a funeral Mass on the steps of the St. Peter’s Basilica that drew heads of state, royalty and hundreds of thousands of mourners.
    — Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2025
Definition of tomb
Noun
  • For Pope Francis, Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, the church camerlengo, or cardinal chamberlain (the official that manages the household of the pope), presided over the certification of death and the placement of the body in a coffin.
    — George Petras, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The Italian Space Agency paid tribute to Pope Francis in the wake of his death early Monday morning (April 21).
    — Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Definition of death
Noun
  • However, because the Romans cremated their dead for many years, archaeologists have not found many gladiator bodies.
    — Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025
  • During her search for Joel outside of Jackson, Abby wakes up Infected who, now evolved enough to strategize, have been using their dead as insulation in the snowy mountains surrounding the town.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2025
Definition of dead
Adjective
  • But legal experts said a criminal contempt finding would be a serious step to be avoided.
    — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 1 May 2025
  • The restaurant sector must get in the game in order to make a serious dent on improving customer health.
    — Hank Cardello, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Definition of serious
Adjective
  • The Jets were at their most dangerous when Vilardi could choose between Connor across the slot, Nikolaj Ehlers in the middle, or a net-front drive of his own.
    — Murat Ates, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Reading back over her sister’s occasionally gossipy letters, maybe Cassie thought those qualities were just too dangerous to reveal publicly.
    — Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2025
Definition of dangerous
Adjective
  • President Trump Makes His Entrance At Pope Francis' Funeral By Emma Marsden Freelance News Reporter Newsweek Is A Trust Project Member news article 7 Pope Francis' funeral took place in a solemn ceremony at the Vatican on Saturday, drawing hundreds of thousands of mourners from around the world.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
  • And when public figures die, the resulting rituals can sit awkwardly between a solemn, respectful wake and a chance to personally capture a moment in history.
    — Issy Ronald and Lauren Said-Moorhouse, CNN Money, 25 Apr. 2025
Definition of solemn
Adjective
  • The Orioles scored the first run of the game in the second inning when Ramón Laureano ripped an RBI double to deep center.
    — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Meanwhile, Lucas Walsh, a youth political behavior expert, said that cost-of-living pressures and a deep distrust in both major parties are fueling Gen Z's volatility.
    — Mark Weinstein, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025
Definition of deep
Verb
  • Given how serene progress has been on the pitch and with a squad that is now fully fit and competing on all fronts, an image of Emery — a walking deity in most supporters’ minds — climbing those Wembley steps to lift the cup would be forever etched into memory.
    — Sam Lee, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
  • For a chip design firm, a particular wafer or etching tool may be sourced through a vendor who relies on imports from China or Southeast Asia.
    — Kevin Carroll, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 2025
Definition of etch

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gratuity
grave
graved
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Cite this Entry

“Grave.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grave. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

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