grimy

adjective

ˈgrī-mē How to pronounce grimy (audio)
Definition of grimynext
as in filthy
not clean this mirror is so grimy you can barely see your reflection in it

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 grimy But some wondered if the grimy, low-fi tradition of the Regional American Horror Film could survive an AI future. — Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026 His comments illustrated the unique burden of the hip-hop superstar, straining to stay in touch with the grimy realism of his earliest rhymes. — Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026 Vancouver, for all its celebrity hangouts and major studio and streamer film shoots, is also home to a grimy downtown eastside neighborhood where getting off addictions and out of homelessness for many remains a constant struggle. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 2026 Given the grimy, gory nature of writer-director Paul Greengrass’ historical film, Garfield had to rely on his go-to ways to unwind. — Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for grimy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grimy
  1. filthy
  2. dusty
  3. dirty
  4. blackened
  5. stained
  6. muddy
  7. black
Adjective
  • Los Angeles also struggles with an ongoing homelessness crisis — filthy encampments and rows of rusting RVs are a common sight in many neighborhoods.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • All my women friends, just thinking filthy thoughts about you.
    — Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of filthy
Adjective
  • One tier down from Dithaba (both fiscally and geographically), Kapano is a few minutes’ walk down a dusty hill and follows a similar format, with four generous-sized rooms veering off the communal pool, bar, and alfresco deck dining area.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026
  • From dusty heating vents to cluttered coat closets, these are the spots professional cleaners say deserve your attention now.
    — Brigitt Earley, Martha Stewart, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of dusty
Adjective
  • Floor around the fryers, floor under and around the drive thru drink station and floor under and around stationary equipment is visibly dirty.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Using the same sponge for every surface and spill could be making your kitchen dirtier every time.
    — Sarah Everett, The Spruce, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of dirty
Adjective
  • The land, unfenced, abuts a bald blackened hillside that must be public land.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2025
Definition of blackened
Adjective
  • The stained glass had to first endure more destruction before its metamorphosis.
    — Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Luckily the damage appears to be mostly cosmetic, and the beautiful balustrades, stained glass, and mahogany built-ins have survived the makeover unscathed.
    — Nora DeLigter, Curbed, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of stained
Adjective
  • The rounded, slip-on shoes once reserved for muddy flower beds now appear on city streets, in boutique windows and on fashion runways.
    — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026
  • This keeps the pimento from appearing muddy against the green.
    — Christina Middleton, Allure, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of muddy
Adjective
  • Russian media outlets later reported that the attack sparked a blaze at the Kstovo oil refinery, sharing images of black plumes of smoke over the horizon.
    — HANNA ARHIROVA, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
  • This pick, for example, adds a pop of color to contrast the black jeans and booties, while the purple hue nods to current trends without being too obvious.
    — India Roby, Glamour, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of black

Browse Nearby Words

grimness
grimy
grin
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Grimy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grimy. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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