1
2
as in nerd
a person slavishly devoted to intellectual or academic pursuits
don't be such a grind—go out with your friends and enjoy yourself
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in effort
very hard or unpleasant work
yard work is a real grind
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in routine
an established and often automatic or monotonous series of actions followed when engaging in some activity
the daily grind of a 50-mile commute was getting old
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to rub
to make smooth by friction
after they are ground and polished, these stones can be used for jewelry
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
4
as in to polish
to make smooth or glossy usually by repeatedly applying surface pressure
used the finest polishing paper he could to grind down the facets of the diamond before dusting it with a soft cloth
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
6
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 grind
Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 30 Oct. 2025
Her clients transition from the 9-to-5 grind and step into coaching with clarity and confidence.
—Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 27 Oct. 2025
Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
After more than a decade grinding in the pop machine, something about Zara Larsson finally clicked this summer.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for grind
Noun
Staying grounded through the grind Eric Morman still remembers Wilson’s humility during his tenure as head football coach at North Mecklenburg.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 30 Oct. 2025
Her clients transition from the 9-to-5 grind and step into coaching with clarity and confidence.
—Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
At one point, Hercules is holding a small knife as wood shavings cover the floor where the two doors grind against each other.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
After more than a decade grinding in the pop machine, something about Zara Larsson finally clicked this summer.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for grind
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grind
Noun
-
Because it can be transmitted through scratches, bites, and saliva, Strickland was required to wear long sleeves, a head covering, a surgical mask, a face shield, steel-toed boots, and two pairs of gloves—and to sedate her charges for even the most straightforward procedures.—
Ava Kofman,
New Yorker,
3 Nov. 2025
-
Starting a business from scratch takes focus, persistence, and a clear understanding of what people need.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Roberts’s pet theory is the Major Questions Doctrine, known to Supreme Court nerds as MQD.—
Noah Feldman,
Twin Cities,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Military history nerds will be pleased.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
That merely meant coach Brian Dutcher didn’t have to delicately parcel out playing time while massaging egos on his Mariana Trench-deep roster, and the bench shortened by circumstance delivered a 77-45 win powered by a pair of true freshmen and a typically frenetic defensive effort.—
Mark Zeigler,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Nov. 2025
-
As companies pour trillions into transformation efforts, few see lasting results.—
Jana Werner,
Harvard Business Review,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
In part, the McKinley administration standardized various press protocols and routines involved in managing the press corps—holding somewhat regular briefings, for example, and carefully timing White House announcements.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Your best bet for starting a routine that sticks?—
Julia Sullivan,
Health,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Bathroom Sinks and Mirrors Bathroom mirrors and sinks are quick to show signs of use over the course of a week, and rubbing them down will make all of the difference.—
Sarah Lyon,
Southern Living,
30 Oct. 2025
-
Her words rubbed viewers and other contestants the wrong way, prompting a spat with fellow contestant Debbie.—
Jalen Williams,
Freep.com,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The Buccaneers quarterback has been showcasing some toughness and grit through his own injury scares, and also leading the team to gutsy fourth-quarter comebacks.—
James Brizuela,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Oct. 2025
-
The Carolina Panthers gritted out a 13-6 win over the New York Jets on the road thanks to a two-interception day from Jaycee Horn, a turnover-free performance from the offense and a close-to-flawless day on special teams.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
19 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Under José Luis Cienfuegos, director since 2023, Valladolid is sharpening its industry use for Spain’s indie sector, serving as a second major fall berth for domestic launches after San Sebastián, while business ramps via Merci, the independent market co-organized with Adicine.—
Emiliano De Pablos,
Variety,
3 Nov. 2025
-
Elliott said that since the office has sharpened its tone, donations have poured in from millions of supporters.—
Brittany Shepherd,
ABC News,
2 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Most recently, Alverson has also dipped his toe into advising sorority hopefuls as a rush coach — part of an emerging market for girls looking to polish up their image before heading off to college.—
Tabitha Parent,
PEOPLE,
24 Oct. 2025
-
Its software ecosystem is polished, and its hardware is mature.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Grind.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grind. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share