as in dirt
foul matter that mars the purity or cleanliness of something
this new product really cuts through grime
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to stain
to make dirty
countless hours of work were needed to clean the floors of the old warehouse that had been grimed from a century of use
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of grime
Kate Van Pelt,
The Spruce,
20 June 2026
The Cece Hand Wash effectively scrubs away dead skin cells, dirt, and grime with a clean, hydrating, antioxidant-rich formula featuring rosella extract and argan oil.
—
Irene Richardson,
InStyle,
16 June 2026
Maria Sabella,
The Spruce,
15 June 2026
On Starz’s latest offering, every wall is realistically grimed, and every plaid is laid just so.
—
Graham Hillard,
The Washington Examiner,
22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for grime
Noun
Cabinet surfaces often go overlooked, allowing grime to collect.
—
Kate Van Pelt,
The Spruce,
20 June 2026
The Cece Hand Wash effectively scrubs away dead skin cells, dirt, and grime with a clean, hydrating, antioxidant-rich formula featuring rosella extract and argan oil.
—
Irene Richardson,
InStyle,
16 June 2026
Verb
Over time, the sheets' fibers begin breaking down and grime such as body oils no longer washes out as well, causing the sheets to become less sanitary.
—
Maria Sabella,
The Spruce,
15 June 2026
On Starz’s latest offering, every wall is realistically grimed, and every plaid is laid just so.
—
Graham Hillard,
The Washington Examiner,
22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for grime
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grime
Noun
-
All of us — probably the Newsoms included — will just have to wait to see if the fine-tooth combs of the feds pick up any dirt.
-
Body oils, dead skin, dirt, soap scum, mineral deposits, hard water stains, and mold can stick to the walls, door, grout, and floor, leaving a grimy film.
Verb
-
Prosecutors said a boxcutter stained with what appeared to be blood was found in the car, and there were also possible bloodstains found on the steering wheel and exterior door.
-
At the site, an Associated Press reporter saw rubble and chunks of concrete stained with blood.
Noun
-
France played through the rain and muck to beat Iraq 3-0 behind two goals from Kylian Mbappé.
-
People get mired in all kinds of muck and yuck by the slop on social media.
Verb
-
But as filming continued, Pidgeon appeared to dirty her butter blond with caramel and chocolate shades similar to Bessette-Kennedy’s, thanks to stylist Kari Hill.
-
With the help of your Instant Pot, spaghetti and meatballs come together in under an hour without dirtying multiple dishes.
Noun
-
While the heroine in this novel is fictional, readers will be drawn to this mystery set during WWII about codebreaking, and a Nazi threat on American soil.
-
Since the founding of the modern Olympic Games in 1896, no Olympic event has ever been held on African soil.
Verb
-
Leaves and buds that are bitten by frost will blacken and shrivel, sometimes all over the plant.
-
The shrimp basket at B&J's Steak and Seafood includes a half pound of shrimp fried, grilled, blackened or boiled.
Noun
-
The dogs were living in inhumane conditions that included floors covered in feces and filth.
-
As the decades passed, the crowding and filth in the rapidly growing cities in the industrializing nations of Europe and North America created perfect conditions to fuel epidemic outbreaks that could steal the lives of those of any age or rank, but were most dangerous for the very young.
Cite this Entry
“Grime.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grime. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
