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noun

gross

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verb

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of gross are coarse, obscene, ribald, and vulgar. While all these words mean "offensive to good taste or morals," gross implies extreme coarseness and insensitiveness.

gross eating habits

When can coarse be used instead of gross?

The synonyms coarse and gross are sometimes interchangeable, but coarse implies roughness, rudeness, or crudeness of spirit, behavior, or language.

found the coarse humor of coworkers offensive

Where would obscene be a reasonable alternative to gross?

Although the words obscene and gross have much in common, obscene applies to anything strongly repulsive to the sense of decency and propriety especially in sexual matters.

obscene language not allowed on the air

When could ribald be used to replace gross?

The meanings of ribald and gross largely overlap; however, ribald applies to what is amusingly or picturesquely vulgar or irreverent or mildly indecent.

entertained the campers with ribald folk songs

When is it sensible to use vulgar instead of gross?

While in some cases nearly identical to gross, vulgar often implies boorishness or ill-breeding.

a loud vulgar belch

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 gross
Noun
The weekend’s grosses were still dominated by the live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch, which led the charge for a second consecutive frame with nearly $62 million. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025 Adding international grosses, its global tally is $947 million. Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2025
Verb
The most recent Mission: Impossible, The Final Reckoning, grossed $500 million worldwide last month, while Dead Reckoning Part 1 grossed $550 million in 2023. Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2025 Directed by Gerard Johnstone, the film was a breakout cultural phenomenon, grossing more than $181 million worldwide on a relatively small budget and spurring the sequel M3GAN 2.0. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for gross
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gross
Adjective
  • The ex-data processor for the Boston Transportation Department was previously convicted in Suffolk Superior Court of: rape of a child, assault to rape a child, indecent assault and battery on a child, disseminating obscene material to a minor, and possession of child pornography.
    Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 24 June 2025
  • But the legal standard for what qualifies as obscene is extremely high.
    Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 June 2025
Adjective
  • Its silky texture absorbs effortlessly, leaving the skin feeling plump and protected without any greasy residue.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 26 May 2025
  • It’s powered by ultra-low molecular collagen that penetrates deeply to firm and smooth fine lines, while oligo-hyaluronic acid hydrates better and faster than traditional HA, sinking in deeper and faster, leaving skin plump without heaviness.
    Marie Lodi, Allure, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • But beyond the crass remarks about Read, experts say less explosive messages about Proctor's early opinions of the investigation could be damning.
    Julia Bonavita , Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2025
  • What keeps these series from coming off as crass is the genuine camaraderie that connects their characters and shelters them, to some extent, from the precariousness of their lives.
    Judy Berman, Time, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Never in 250 years has any U.S. president needed such a blatant and expensive birthday parade.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 22 June 2025
  • Amid blatant insults to servicemen and veterans, President Trump's approval remains relatively high, with most Americans agreeing with his immigration policies.
    Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • All the juicy — and disgusting — details of each inspection can be found in a PDF embedded under each restaurant’s entry.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 15 June 2025
  • War is disgusting, and that extraordinary chapter, which concluded what was undoubtedly the most terrible war in history, provides no exception ...
    Charles C. W. Cooke, National Review, 12 June 2025
Noun
  • SpaceX is currently working to deploying a total of 12,000 Starlink satellites, but has plans, if approved, to grow the megaconstellation to more than 34,000 units in orbit.
    Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 18 June 2025
  • Between June 8 and Monday, June 16, the two vessels conducted a total of 290 and 230 aircraft takeoffs and landings, respectively, involving their fighter jets and helicopters.
    Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • Troy Lester, co-founder and chief revenue officer at Warp, said refining the technology behind Warp will help the company enable repeat positive experiences for customers.
    Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 25 June 2025
  • Kartik Research expects to log revenues of $3 million this year, almost double the $1.7 million recorded in 2024.
    Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Darche is willing to move the team’s remaining Day 2 draft picks if the return nets NHL players who can help the team next season and beyond.
    Rob Rossi, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • The thefts occurred in about 80 cities in California, Colorado, Arizona, New Jersey, Kansas and Illinois and netted about $5.5 million for those charged in the case, according to the indictment.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Gross.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gross. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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