1
as in gruff
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance
a grim and desolate landscape a grim and short-tempered shopkeeper who didn't exactly invite friendly conversation
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in harsh
difficult to endure
this winter is supposed to be particularly grim, so stock up on firewood
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3
as in relentless
showing no signs of slackening or yielding in one's purpose
with grim determination, the woman worked three jobs to put her fatherless children through college
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4
as in savage
violently unfriendly or aggressive in disposition
grim warriors heading into battle
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of grim
That 2015 attack served as a grim milestone, proving the cartel was prepared to meet the Mexican authorities with lethal, full-scale force.
—
María Verza, Fortune, 24 Feb. 2026
His Republican allies are facing a grim outlook in the fall midterms, according to polls.
—Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 23 Feb. 2026
Around town, writers and directors went about their work with a kind of grim acceptance, like a farmer shuffling to his plow even as the tornado clouds above grow darker.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 23 Feb. 2026
Both Moscow and Kyiv have cutting-edge drone warfare capabilities forged in the grim laboratory of war where battlefield innovations have rewritten modern battle tactics.
—Sam McNeil, Arkansas Online, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for grim
María Verza, Fortune, 24 Feb. 2026
His Republican allies are facing a grim outlook in the fall midterms, according to polls.
—Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 23 Feb. 2026
Around town, writers and directors went about their work with a kind of grim acceptance, like a farmer shuffling to his plow even as the tornado clouds above grow darker.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 23 Feb. 2026
Both Moscow and Kyiv have cutting-edge drone warfare capabilities forged in the grim laboratory of war where battlefield innovations have rewritten modern battle tactics.
—Sam McNeil, Arkansas Online, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for grim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grim
Adjective
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Over the ensuing decades, Duvall had numerous other memorable turns as tough guys, gruff mentors and men seeking redemption.—
David Matthews,
New York Daily News,
16 Feb. 2026
-
The characters are well developed and unpredictable—perhaps none more so than John Stone, Nasir’s gruff public-defense attorney.—
Stephanie Bai,
The Atlantic,
8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The scene, however, of Myers skating around for warmups and enjoying some time with his family underscored the harsh realities of trade deadline season for the players — and the families — directly involved.—
Thomas Drance,
New York Times,
26 Feb. 2026
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While many ground covers are resilient and can thrive in harsh growing conditions, such as areas with full sun and dry soil, environments that are overly damp and soggy can be tricky for certain ground covers.—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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But others, where relentless, shelter-soaking rain is the aggressor, are no less vivid and terrifying, amplified by the rattling, percussive intensity of extraordinary sound design by Lena Esquenazi, Valeria Mancheva and Antonio Porem.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
22 Feb. 2026
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Since her inaugural awards-season appearance at the 2024 Golden Globes, Jenner has developed a red carpet presence as relentless as any studio campaign.—
Daniel Rodgers,
Vogue,
22 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Watching Marcia Gay Harden embark on a savage killing spree was not on my cinematic bingo card for 2026.—
Frank Scheck,
HollywoodReporter,
19 Feb. 2026
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Wade Wilson confessed to the savage murders of two women, yet even that brutality failed to repel admirers.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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In its stern elegance, the study was in many ways a reflection of its occupant.—
Josh Ireland,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Feb. 2026
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These spaces were absolutely off limits to children, by the stern decree of our mothers and grandmothers.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The Heat’s climb to get out of the play-in tournament this season just got tougher.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
27 Feb. 2026
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Regulation overseas may be a tougher sell.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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In the second half, Miami came out determined to push LAFC back into its own territory by advancing its lines and looking to support Germán Berterame.—
Jad El Reda
Columnist,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Feb. 2026
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Despite having already seen Church twice in concert, Oberheim was still determined to make an effort to see him.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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It has been loved onto the screen by the ferocious talent of MK, the exceptional executives at HBO and the world-class production team in Wolf Studios Wales, where Bad Wolf has filmed every season.—
Joe Otterson,
Variety,
25 Feb. 2026
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Luna is in your strict 10th house, motivating ferocious Mars in your committed 6th house.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
25 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Grim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grim. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.
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