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
• horrible
• nightmare
• terrible
• horrifying
• frightening
• terrifying
• terrific
• macabre
• hideous
• dreadful
• awful
• scary
• nightmarish
• ghastly
• appalling
• horrid
• sickening
• lurid
• frightful
• monstrous
• horrendous
• atrocious
• disgusting
• alarming
• fearful
• dire
• ugly
• grotesque
• formidable
• obscene
• direful
• revolting
• loathsome
• offensive
• repulsive
• heinous
• unspeakable
• fearsome
• repugnant
• gut-wrenching
• abominable
• disagreeable
• deplorable
• forbidding
• bloodcurdling
• abhorrent
• odious
• intimidating
• obnoxious
• evil
• vile
• 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 gruesome, grisly details were superfluous, unlike an earlier obituary style in which the how sometimes seemed to predominate over the who, what, when, where, and why. — Sam Roberts, Longreads, 11 Aug. 2026

This week’s run of shows and movies include a grisly House of the Dragon finale, an exciting new horror from Jane Schoenbrun, a rom-com with a devious catch, and the return of Ted Lasso. — Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026

The intensity of Harper’s writing, especially in his grisliest depictions of violence, can feel like the prose equivalent of trying to smash the glass. — Peter C. Baker, New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2026

After news broke of the grisly discovery, Alvarez, like many fans, refused to believe Burke was involved. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2026

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