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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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 mystery comes to a satisfying — if a bit convoluted — conclusion, and Frank certainly leaves things open for more grim (and grimly funny) adventures with his Dept. Q misfits down the line.
—
Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 29 May 2025
If Hawaii is too expensive for a native Hawaiian to attend school, things are pretty grim.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 25 May 2025
For Evacuations? ProPublica recently published a grim but important piece on Helene.
—Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
His face is grim, lacking the exuberance and devil-may-care attitude visible in earlier paintings.
—Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for grim
Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 29 May 2025
If Hawaii is too expensive for a native Hawaiian to attend school, things are pretty grim.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 25 May 2025
For Evacuations? ProPublica recently published a grim but important piece on Helene.
—Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
His face is grim, lacking the exuberance and devil-may-care attitude visible in earlier paintings.
—Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for grim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grim
Adjective
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While Hornets fans were not as gruff as New York Knicks or Boston Celtics supporters, Charlotte pro basketball fans were among the leaders who posted a specific swear word.—
Kendrick Marshall,
Charlotte Observer,
6 June 2025
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Paul is lovable but gruff, while Jimmy is lost and a bit broken after having lost his wife in a drunk driving accident.—
Hedy Phillips,
People.com,
2 May 2025
Adjective
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From growing up in the streets of Kansas City to serving jail time, Gilliam shared how rapping about his harsh experiences has made fans love him.—
Ramal Nasim,
Kansas City Star,
4 June 2025
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Of the treaty’s three American signers—John Adams, John Jay and Benjamin Franklin—Franklin was said to have taken the harshest line against the loyalists.—
Greg Daugherty,
Smithsonian Magazine,
4 June 2025
Adjective
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Her relentless pace is interrupted when a panic attack forces her to take a break.—
Samantha Bergeson,
IndieWire,
10 June 2025
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Ternana were relentless throughout extra-time but couldn’t find the winner.—
David Ferrini,
Forbes.com,
8 June 2025
Adjective
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The 2023 grand marshal is former Arizona Democratic congresswoman Gabby Giffords, gravely wounded in a savage mass shooting in 2011 that also killed six people.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Dec. 2022
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As savage Arctic cold was getting ready to surge south across North America, vivid imagery based on data from weather models showed us what was going to happen.—
Tom Yulsman,
Discover Magazine,
27 Dec. 2022
Adjective
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The flybridge has a reverse radar arch that prompts a double take, while the remainder of the exterior focuses on open space (case in point, the foredeck), along with the beautiful design of the cockpit and stern area.—
Julia Zaltzman,
Robb Report,
28 May 2025
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And, Boeing would have had to submit to a Justice Department—appointed compliance monitor, with the independence and power to impose stern safety reforms.—
Charles Tiefer,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
Adjective
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For the body-conscious dad Finding time to exercise, as well as to recover from a workout, during a busy travel schedule can be tough.—
Ramsey Qubein,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
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Their final test is the toughest in a rematch with the Edmonton Oilers, the same team that just last year took them to seven games in the Stanley Cup Final before the Panthers ultimately prevailed.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
3 June 2025
Adjective
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Administration officials and leaders of the emerging military tech sector are determined to get rid of excess regulations that slow the development and production of new weapons systems.—
William Hartung,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
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In other words, the setback would be reversed, and history would proceed on its divinely determined track.—
Gershom Gorenberg,
The Atlantic,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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America, then, was visible to Fuller as the ferocious winds destroyed the vessel.—
James Marcus,
New Yorker,
2 June 2025
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The Thunder are deep, play ferocious defense and have a star in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who embraces the big moment.—
Bob Harkins,
New York Times,
29 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Grim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grim. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.
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