GRINDS Synonyms: 194 Similar and Opposite Words

grinds 1 of 2

noun

plural of grind

as in scratches

a harsh grating sound the grind of ice in the blender sent the cat running from the room

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as in nerds

a person slavishly devoted to intellectual or academic pursuits don't be such a grind—go out with your friends and enjoy yourself

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as in sweats

very hard or unpleasant work yard work is a real grind

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as in routines

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

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grinds

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of grind

as in rubs

to make smooth by friction after they are ground and polished, these stones can be used for jewelry

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as in grits

to press or strike against or together so as to make a scraping sound everyone in the car winced when the driver ground the gears trying to shift into second

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as in sharpens

to make sharp or sharper better grind down that ax before you even think about trying to cut down that tree

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as in smooths

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

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as in scrapes

to pass roughly and noisily over or against a surface ground the rock against the stone wall

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as in pounds

to reduce to fine particles grind whole coffee beans if you want the freshest coffee

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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 grinds

Noun

Tableside dishes are a highlight, including a seasonal classic Greek salad and mouthwatering whole branzino baked in a coffee-grinds and sea-salt crust, then expertly deboned and served to perfection. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 June 2026 In a measuring cup or small bowl, stir together the yogurt, mayonnaise, chives, dill and garlic powder; season with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and a few grinds of pepper. — Emily Weinstein, Twin Cities, 4 June 2026 Skaters ages 6-11 showed off their nose grinds, kickflips and wall rides to an enthusiastic early crowd. — Tony Le Calvez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026 This is perfect for a small household that just needs enough grinds for one pot of coffee at a time. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026 After using your coffee maker, clean the basin where the grinds go as well as the coffee pot using warm, soapy water. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 18 Apr. 2026 Finish with a few grinds of black pepper and serve. — Nancy Vienneau, Southern Living, 11 Mar. 2026 Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and several grinds of fresh pepper. — Tribune Content Agency, Baltimore Sun, 4 Mar. 2026 The base of the ski will be prepared with various grinds that respond to various snow conditions. — ABC News, 16 Feb. 2026

Verb

Finance ministers and central bank officials of G20 countries convene in Asheville, North Carolina on Monday and Tuesday as the US-Iran war grinds into its sixth month, raising inflation expectations and keeping energy prices elevated. — Anna Cooban, CNN Money, 31 Aug. 2026 As Poles grinds through his Sunday, The Athletic’s Kevin Fishbain and Dan Wiederer offer this roster projection. — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026 Today, the company has a staff of about 35 and roasts, winnows, and grinds chocolate from scratch at its factory in Somerville. — Melanie Stetson Freeman, Christian Science Monitor, 22 Aug. 2026 That dust grinds at the wheel bearings and works past the seals. — Wanjiku Chebet Kanjumba, The Conversation, 13 Aug. 2026 The Russia and Ukraine conflict grinds into a fifth year; a new Fed chair settles in while tariff policy whipsaws through the courts; tensions with allies and adversaries alike continue to flare. — Nigel Morris, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 The Food Processor quickly chops, slices, and shreds a wide array of ingredients for unlimited culinary creations, while the Coffee & Spice Grinder efficiently grinds coffee beans, spices, and herbs for superior flavor and potency. — ABC News, 22 June 2026 Sorry for the rant, but this one really grinds my gears. — Literary Hub, 18 June 2026 Earth grinds to a standstill, with everyone glued to their screens as news anchors around the world react in real time to the shocking evidence. — Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for grinds

Noun

From a functionality perspective, fireclay is non-porous and resists stains, scratches, and everyday wear while maintaining its appearance over time, says Bartel.

— Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 10 Sep. 2026
Barry Morphew was seen on video buffing scratches on the other driver's car with a T-shirt and his hand.

— Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of scratches

Noun

This is a hub for fantasy nerds, newcomers, everyone in between to come together with The Athletic’s staff and build a community rooted in respect.

— Mike Hume, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Few things are more entertaining to Boise music nerds than seeing which performers made Idahoans stampede the ICCU Grandstand at Expo Idaho.

— Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of nerds

Noun

Biographers and historians have documented that Stewart suffered from severe psychological trauma, which caused digestive issues, insomnia, nightmares, shakes and sweats.

— Ashley Hume , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2026
From loungewear essentials like yoga pants and sweats to dressier picks like long-sleeve dresses and maxi skirts, there’s something on sale for everyone.

— Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of sweats

Noun

Recipe development can be a self-effacing task, obliging the writer to anticipate the appetites and routines of her imagined reader.

— Hannah Goldfield, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026
To his right, some 40 yards away, long snapper Liam McCullough and punter Jake Bailey progress through their own separate routines.

— Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of routines

Verb

Achord stands behind Smack each time and, before one kick, rubs his belly with his other hand over his head as some sort of signal.

— Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
But during the following two years, Van Lith saw only gigantic tracks and adrenaline-inspiring antler rubs that had been left behind by the buck of his dreams.

— Jeff Murray, Outdoor Life, 20 Aug. 2026