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
This true crime entry is an excellent example of the genre working to understand circumstances underpinning a crime rather than performing a grim recitation.
—
Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Jan. 2026
The long-term projections are grim.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2026
After 30 minutes, the odds become grim.
—Conor McGill, CBS News, 31 Jan. 2026
His sharp, funny, and unexpectedly comforting voice makes the book a joy to read and turns what could feel grim into something liberating.
—Jasna Hodžić, Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for grim
Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Jan. 2026
The long-term projections are grim.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2026
After 30 minutes, the odds become grim.
—Conor McGill, CBS News, 31 Jan. 2026
His sharp, funny, and unexpectedly comforting voice makes the book a joy to read and turns what could feel grim into something liberating.
—Jasna Hodžić, Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for grim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grim
Adjective
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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
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Also present was the gruff playwright.—
Classical Music Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The energy output is designed to remain stable down to –50 degrees Celsius, supporting reliable operation in some of the harshest climates on Earth, reports InsideEVs.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Feb. 2026
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Rapinchuk recommends only using non-toxic products when cleaning your refrigerator and avoiding anything with harsh chemicals, such as bleach and ammonia.—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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At a moment when residents are struggling more than ever, facing a severe shortage of affordable housing, limited access to Medicaid, and the relentless rise in grocery prices, lawmakers in Tallahassee have chosen instead to advance HB 31 and SB 1106.—
Adam Abutaa,
Sun Sentinel,
8 Feb. 2026
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Still, the tech giant is facing a growing set of challenges, from intensifying competition to lingering concerns of an AI bubble and relentless pressure to demonstrate growth after several explosive quarters.—
Rosa de Acosta,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Today Iranians are mourning thousands of their fellow citizens who were massacred during savage crackdowns on recent protests in Iran.—
Ramin Jahanbegloo,
Time,
3 Feb. 2026
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Sons of Anarchy was praised for its stellar writing, operatic plotting, and cast of actors who breathed vivid life into their characters, giving even the most savage moments a dose of humanity.—
Declan Gallagher,
Entertainment Weekly,
16 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Off the ice, Knies speaks with a sterner tone at times, with his injury likely weighing on him.—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
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Chief Judge Patrick Schiltz, nonetheless, issued a stern warning.—
Jennifer Mayerle,
CBS News,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Most importantly, Alvarado relishes in his role as a tough-nosed, point-of-attack defender, an area the Knicks have had trouble despite building a roster with notable defenders across all positions.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
5 Feb. 2026
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With a durable and tough rubber sole featuring Vibram's TC5+ technology, each step offers the right amount of flex and resistance for a comfortable hiking experience.—
Michael Cappetta,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Meanwhile, Venus Williams, the 45-year-old, seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, appears determined to keep trying to win tennis matches at an age when most players have long retired.—
James Hansen,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
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According to the release, 15 participating dogs have special needs, including Wynonna, a determined pup with only three legs; and Eleanor, who is both deaf and vision-impaired.—
Chris Sims,
IndyStar,
8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The press was ferocious and organised, with the number of box entries and chances created being higher than any league performance this season.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
30 Jan. 2026
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What Lee did not anticipate was the iron resolve, the ferocious tenacity, of the Union defenders.—
Jamelle Bouie,
Mercury News,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Grim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grim. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
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