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
Add in over a month of neglect with no food or light, though, and the scenario becomes a little more grim.
—
Maria Figueroa, Sacbee.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Wall Street was on track to open with gains on Monday following Friday’s sell-off that was triggered by fears of a slowing economy after the government released some grim data on U.S. job growth.
—Matt Ott, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2025
Then Pike makes another grim discovery: a desiccated human leg.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 31 July 2025
The hunger alert and the new death toll are grim milestones in a conflict that began almost two years ago when Hamas attacked Israel, sparking an offensive that has laid waste to much of the enclave and ignited hostilities across the region.
—USA Today, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for grim
Maria Figueroa, Sacbee.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Wall Street was on track to open with gains on Monday following Friday’s sell-off that was triggered by fears of a slowing economy after the government released some grim data on U.S. job growth.
—Matt Ott, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2025
Then Pike makes another grim discovery: a desiccated human leg.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 31 July 2025
The hunger alert and the new death toll are grim milestones in a conflict that began almost two years ago when Hamas attacked Israel, sparking an offensive that has laid waste to much of the enclave and ignited hostilities across the region.
—USA Today, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for grim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grim
Adjective
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Faced with this existential crisis, Bull gathers his best pals—Rocco, a gruff boxer (Idris Elba); Lucky, a dopey but loyal beagle (Bobby Moynihan); and Fetch, a wannabe influencer dachshund (Fred Armisen)—for one final night of canine mischief.—
Travis Bean,
Forbes.com,
1 Aug. 2025
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The strength and conditioning coach barked out stretches in a gruff voice, starting off the first practice of fall football camp on a note of discipline.—
Haley Sawyer,
Oc Register,
30 July 2025
Adjective
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While the comparison of slave babies being taken from their mommas, and immigrant children being separated from their parents might seem a bit harsh to some, the pain is the same.—
Bea L. Hines,
Miami Herald,
15 Aug. 2025
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After weeks of acrimony, concern and harsh statements, the dispute over who will control the River Forest Civic Center building at 8020 W. Madison seems to be headed toward a resolution.—
Bob Skolnik,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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These changes stem from patient feedback, case reviews and a relentless curiosity about emerging techniques.—
Sacha Obaid,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
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And a vindication of a season of relentless winning on the third and second tiers of professional tennis, the substance that makes Mboko the real deal, not a fleeting shooting star.—
James Hansen,
New York Times,
7 Aug. 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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Amid the Yankees' slump, Boone's leadership, managing style and willingness to be stern with players have all been questioned.—
Aaliyan Mohammed,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Aug. 2025
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Directed by Garry Marshall, this comedy drama has a riveting, deeply ambiguous scene that can be considered a kind of acting triumph for Lohan, who plays a troubled young woman, Rachel, spending the summer with her stern grandmother (Jane Fonda).—
Tom Gliatto,
People.com,
9 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Sanctions have roiled Russia's economy and Trump could use tougher measures as leverage over Putin, said Richard Portes, professor of economics at London Business School.—
Brendan Cole,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Aug. 2025
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The logistics of pushing autonomous vessels out into the deep Pacific is tough.—
Craig Hooper,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Its presence had long gone unnoticed — until some determined scientists visited.—
Aspen Pflughoeft,
Miami Herald,
13 Aug. 2025
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Wendy is determined to save her brother, and leads her synth group to his location on the ship by magically controlling computer screens.—
Jordan Moreau,
Variety,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Typical confusion and disruption for a ferocious Vikings unit led by blitz enthusiast and defensive coordinator Brian Flores, but a shock to the Patriots’ offensive system.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
13 Aug. 2025
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Aquaman star Jason Momoa learned that lesson the hard way while attempting a miles-long paddle through ferocious Hawaiian waters and nearly not coming back up.—
Ryan Coleman Published,
EW.com,
12 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Grim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grim. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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