1
as in harsh
difficult to endure
the months of chemotherapy seemed almost as grievous an affliction as the cancer itself
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2
as in painful
hard to accept or bear especially emotionally
the death of a spouse can be a grievous loss from which one never recovers
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3
as in dangerous
involving potential loss or injury
a grievous wound that requires a doctor's immediate attention
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4
as in tragic
of a kind to cause great distress
the grievous cost of the war in human lives weighed heavily on the president's mind
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of grievous
This incident seems to have been the result of two coinciding oversights, rather than one grievous wrong.
—
R. Eric Thomas,
Denver Post,
8 June 2026
Can it be done without grievous injury?
—
Joe Salas
june 07,
New Atlas,
7 June 2026
Two boys once triggered a catastrophe – a fireworks mishap that razed an apartment complex and claimed the wife and child of one of its residents, a man named Nomoto, who also suffered grievous burns.
—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
4 May 2026
This grievous and uniquely cruel injury of not knowing, of uncertainty and confusion, and answers withheld.
—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for grievous
R. Eric Thomas,
Denver Post,
8 June 2026
Can it be done without grievous injury?
—
Joe Salas
june 07,
New Atlas,
7 June 2026
Two boys once triggered a catastrophe – a fireworks mishap that razed an apartment complex and claimed the wife and child of one of its residents, a man named Nomoto, who also suffered grievous burns.
—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
4 May 2026
This grievous and uniquely cruel injury of not knowing, of uncertainty and confusion, and answers withheld.
—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for grievous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grievous
Adjective
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Plant magnolias somewhere they will be protected from harsh winds, especially when buds or flowers are developing.
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Most clarifying shampoos tend to be a little harsh and drying, but this one is gentle and nourishing.
Adjective
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However, Ukraine’s successes have highlighted its ability to inflict painful damage on Russia and change the course of the conflict while Moscow’s advances recently have ground to a near halt.
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California’s already-high electricity rates have increased far faster than inflation, threaten progress on climate change and pose painful affordability burdens on residents and businesses, the Berkeley report said.
Adjective
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Others develop dangerous fluctuations in blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms because the autonomic nervous system becomes affected.
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Sometimes, the streets appear glittering; other times, seedy and dangerous.
Adjective
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Kara isn’t the only superhero with a tragic origin story – but unlike, say, that guy who dresses up as a bat and fights crime after the deaths of his mom and dad, Kara hits up a dive bar and plays with her dog to cope.
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Following the tragic incident, Aiden has been remembered for his kindness and intense drive.
Adjective
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That has given players an opportunity to rest and recover ahead of the next fixture, but some of those games have taken place in searing heat, which will have had its effect on players, especially if they are not used to playing in that climate.
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But the street parties also come after months of scrutiny as FIFA has faced searing criticism across the globe for soaring World Cup ticket prices.
Adjective
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Passing a child who is unprepared may be the cruelest act of all.
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This is your news to share or not share; posting about this on Facebook strikes me as cruel.
Adjective
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Concrete casing and tubing – used to seal and extract oil – can lose integrity, causing leaks and potential hazardous gas releases.
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Concerns about hazardous chemicals led police to suggest residents evacuate, although many declined.
Adjective
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The visible gap for the door mechanism running across the rear fenders is unfortunate, especially since more basic minivans showcase clean surfaces there.
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Here's Sophie Cunningham dominating another pre-game entrance before an unfortunate loss to Angel Reese last night.
Cite this Entry
“Grievous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grievous. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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