Synonyms of grisly

grisly

adjective

ˈgriz-lē 

as in gruesome

extremely disturbing or repellent

the police report described the murder scene in grisly detail

Synonyms & Similar Words

• gruesome
• horrific
• shocking
• nightmare
• horrible
• horrifying
• terrible
• frightening
• terrifying
• terrific
• macabre
• dreadful
• hideous
• awful
• nightmarish
• scary
• ghastly
• appalling
• sickening
• horrid
• lurid
• frightful
• monstrous
• horrendous
• atrocious
• disgusting
• grewsome
• alarming
• fearful
• grotesque
• ugly
• formidable
• obscene
• dire
• revolting
• loathsome
• offensive
• direful
• repulsive
• heinous
• unspeakable
• fearsome
• repugnant
• gut-wrenching
• abominable
• disagreeable
• forbidding
• intimidating
• deplorable
• abhorrent
• odious
• bloodcurdling
• obnoxious
• vile
• evil
• distasteful
• redoubtable
• hair-raising
• heart-stopping
• nauseating
• noxious
• noisome
• unsightly
• foul

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• pleasant
• delightful
• attractive
• delicious
• satisfying
• appealing
• enjoyable
• welcome
• agreeable
• pleasurable
• delectable
• enticing
• pleasing
• inviting
• comforting
• soothing
• cheering

Synonym Chooser

How is the word grisly different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of grisly are ghastly, gruesome, lurid, and macabre. While all these words mean "horrifying and repellent in appearance or aspect," grisly and gruesome suggest additionally the results of extreme violence or cruelty.

an unusually grisly murder

suffered a gruesome death

When is ghastly a more appropriate choice than grisly?

Although the words ghastly and grisly have much in common, ghastly suggests the terrifying aspects of corpses and ghosts.

a ghastly accident

How do lurid and gruesome relate to one another, in the sense of grisly?

Lurid adds to gruesome the suggestion of shuddering fascination with violent death and especially with murder.

the lurid details of a crime

When might macabre be a better fit than grisly?

While the synonyms macabre and grisly are close in meaning, macabre implies a morbid preoccupation with the physical aspects of death.

a macabre tale of premature burial

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of grisly

The latest book finds Russo being called to a remote island off the coast of Ontario, where a grisly murder has taken place, according to the synopsis. —Stephanie Guerilus, People.com, 12 June 2025

Three police officers shot in what appears to be a surprise ambush at the scene of a grisly murder. —Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025

Patricia Krenwinkel, a former member of the notorious Manson family that carried out a series of grisly killings across Los Angeles, was granted parole, but a final decision on her freedom now rests with Gov. Gavin Newsom. —Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025

Turner surely didn’t see a possible lawsuit coming as the family of Sade Robinson seeks closure in her grisly death. —Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 21 May 2025

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