GROTESQUE Synonyms: 170 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'grotesque' different from other adjectives like it?

The words bizarre and fantastic are common synonyms of grotesque . While all three words mean "conceived, made, or carried out without adherence to truth or reality," grotesque may apply to what is conventionally ugly but artistically effective or it may connote ludicrous awkwardness or incongruity often with sinister or tragic overtones. // grotesque statues on the cathedral // though grieving, she made a grotesque attempt at a smile

Q: When could 'bizarre' be used to replace 'grotesque'?

In some situations, the words bizarre and grotesque are roughly equivalent. However, bizarre applies to the sensationally strange and implies violence of contrast or incongruity of combination. // a bizarre medieval castle in the heart of a modern city

Q: When would 'fantastic' be a good substitute for 'grotesque'?

The words fantastic and grotesque are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fantastic may connote extravagance in conception or ingenuity of decorative invention. // dreamed up fantastic rumors

grotesque 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of grotesque next

as in loud

disagreeable to one's aesthetic or artistic sense the gaudy, overdecorated interior of the gambling casino was just too grotesque for my taste

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in ugly

unpleasant to look at that bloody Halloween mask is grotesque

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

grotesque

2 of 2

noun

grō-ˈtesk

as in monster

a strange or horrible and often frightening creature a gallery of grotesques from some horror movie

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

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

The words bizarre and fantastic are common synonyms of grotesque. While all three words mean "conceived, made, or carried out without adherence to truth or reality," grotesque may apply to what is conventionally ugly but artistically effective or it may connote ludicrous awkwardness or incongruity often with sinister or tragic overtones.

grotesque statues on the cathedral

though grieving, she made a grotesque attempt at a smile

When could bizarre be used to replace grotesque?

In some situations, the words bizarre and grotesque are roughly equivalent. However, bizarre applies to the sensationally strange and implies violence of contrast or incongruity of combination.

a bizarre medieval castle in the heart of a modern city

When would fantastic be a good substitute for grotesque?

The words fantastic and grotesque are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fantastic may connote extravagance in conception or ingenuity of decorative invention.

dreamed up fantastic rumors

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 grotesque

Adjective

The description went even further, saying that pregnancy is also perverse and grotesque. —

Literary Hub, 8 May 2026 As the investigation deepened, the news coverage became more grotesque, sending Michael into a medical tailspin. —

Steven Gray, Time, 29 Apr. 2026

Noun

Gilliam is an artist of bizarre panoramas; his imagination and humor are visual — full of the dystopic, the heroic, and the grotesque. —

Sara Holdren, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025 Their creative collaboration, taking inspiration from ivory anatomy figures to settle on a look that balances the beauty with the grotesque, is an achievement that has more than made the 10 hours in the makeup chair each day worth it. —

Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 12 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grotesque

Recent Examples of Synonyms for grotesque

Adjective

At that point, a loud drum fill announces itself, snarling electric guitars kick in and McCartney’s trademark howls of old arrive in time for a fairly kick-ass chorus.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 23 May 2026
Lacking any sort of thematic heft to make the proceedings truly spooky, proficient helmer Ovredal mainly relies on a series of jump scares, complete with sudden loud noises, to keep us on edge.

— Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2026