gross 1 of 3

1
2
3
4
5

gross

2 of 3

noun

gross

3 of 3

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
Adjective
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
Noun
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
  • After the treatment, skin was visibly more plump, smooth, hydrated and radiant.
    Bianca Salonga, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • Its hero ingredients include niacinamide (a.k.a. vitamin B3), known for minimizing pores and reducing fine lines, along with Premium Elastin from France, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid, all of which moisturize and plump skin for a more youthful, glowy appearance.
    Melony Forcier, People.com, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • Most Popular Most Popular Asking Eric: The parents refuse to cut their trip short despite their teen’s crisis Asking Eric: The parents refuse to cut their trip short despite their teen's crisis Dear Abby: Is there a way to tell the crass shirttail relations that they’re not invited?
    Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 10 May 2025
  • 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
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
  • First came the disgusting pictures of waters so fouled that they were often compared to rotting guacamole.
    Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2025
  • Republicans seem to try to outdo each other to see who can be the most hateful and disgusting.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Regardless, due to the extremely limited numbers, this example—with a total of 389 miles on it—is sure to see bidding go ballistic.
    Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 30 June 2025
  • For years, the United States has been the greatest source of donations to Peter’s Pence, with U.S. Catholics contributing about a quarter of the total each year.
    Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 30 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 first trip netted more than $32,000, the news release stated.
    News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gross.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gross. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on gross

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!