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
The outlook at the federal level is grim.
—
Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2026
But this time, their mood was far more grim.
—Blane Bachelor, CNN Money, 14 Mar. 2026
For months, state officials have warned about the state’s more grim financial reality.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 13 Mar. 2026
That goes for this past year’s grimmest cinematic trend too.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for grim
Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2026
But this time, their mood was far more grim.
—Blane Bachelor, CNN Money, 14 Mar. 2026
For months, state officials have warned about the state’s more grim financial reality.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 13 Mar. 2026
That goes for this past year’s grimmest cinematic trend too.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for grim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grim
Adjective
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As Woody Harrelson detailed Harrison Ford's accomplishments from the Actors Awards stage, the famously gruff actor seemed to squirm in his seat, somehow uncomfortable with praise even at the age of 83.—
Eve Batey,
Vanity Fair,
2 Mar. 2026
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While not gruff or unfriendly, the serious New York restaurateur carries a distinct tone of getting down to business, even when casually chatting about how the show has changed over time.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Residents describe the smell as a harsh chemical paint smell, similar to the smell in a nail salon.—
Jessica Riley,
CBS News,
20 Mar. 2026
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Hardliners appeared to consolidate power in Iran as a result of US and Israeli air strikes, with experts fearing restrictions on dissent could be even harsher.—
Jeronimo Gonzalez,
semafor.com,
19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The business landscape is continually evolving, shaped by the relentless determination and innovative spirit of visionary leaders of industry.—
Metro Creative Services,
Boston Herald,
15 Mar. 2026
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Thanks to the relentless work of these programs, Los Angeles County has made substantial progress in reducing fatal overdoses.—
Grey Gardner,
Oc Register,
15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The loss of books is minor, almost trivial, in light of all the horrors and violence unleashed by this senseless war, but the potential loss of these books is a sad reminder that we’re all affected and implicated in America’s savage flailings.—
James Folta,
Literary Hub,
17 Mar. 2026
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Conan O'Brien hit almost every note on Sunday — savage, playful, heartfelt and dumb.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Visitors receive a stern warning about drinking tap water when visiting a place like Kuching.—
Christopher Elliott,
USA Today,
17 Mar. 2026
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Both have exceptional voices, stern POVs that turbo-charge defiant breakup ballads and the same manager, Nick Shymansky.—
Ramon Ramirez,
Austin American Statesman,
13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Middle linebacker is one of the toughest positions to play in today’s game, but Smith has the mental makeup to run the front of this defense.—
Cedric Golden,
Austin American Statesman,
20 Mar. 2026
-
The Senate map will likely get tougher for Democrats in future elections.—
W. James Antle III,
The Washington Examiner,
20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
But the leading candidates to succeed her seem determined to support the tax regardless of the consequences.—
Editorial Board,
Washington Post,
15 Mar. 2026
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The people in charge of Florida government — which is top-to-bottom controlled by extreme elements of the GOP — are determined to turn this state into California, where voters are duped into supporting an endless stream of short-sighted tax cuts.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The best win of Leeds United’s season is arguably the ferocious demolition of Chelsea in December.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
20 Mar. 2026
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Tehran’s retaliation was swift and ferocious.—
Mostafa Salem,
CNN Money,
19 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Grim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grim. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
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