grudging 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of grudgingnext
as in careful
said, done, or given in an unwilling or doubtful way Her theories have begun to win grudging acceptance in the scientific community. He has earned the grudging admiration/respect of his rivals.

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grudging

2 of 2

verb

present participle of grudge
as in disliking

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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 grudging
Adjective
Three structural fixes would convert most opposition into grudging acceptance, and even a meaningful share of that opposition into active support. — Warren Wimmer, Mercury News, 24 June 2026 But the pair have a grudging mutual respect that makes for a fun, strange-bedfellows partnership. — Peter White, Deadline, 4 May 2026 Now on the other side of it, Tampa appears to have found grudging inspiration from their bitter rivals in return. — Pierre Lebrun, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2026 The grudging answer was usually yes. — Jp Mangalindan, Time, 5 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for grudging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grudging
  1. careful
  2. disliking
  3. begrudging
  4. disapproving
  5. economical
  6. refusing
  7. covetous
  8. deploring
Adjective
  • The Challenges of Caring for a Fireclay Sink However, the same gleaming surface that makes a fireclay sink an anchor of your kitchen design requires a more intentional, careful cleaning routine than some other materials.
    — Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The premise couldn’t be simpler, though Wollner’s incredible prologue — a careful arrangement of low-event long takes that emphasize how people move through spaces in time — trains our eyes to privilege texture over incident.
    — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of careful
Verb
  • For Pillsbury, the issue seems to be less about disliking the name itself and more about seeing the same joke repeated online.
    — Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The result is not a simple story of locals disliking tourists.
    — David Nikel, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
Definition of disliking
Adjective
  • With Ancelotti on the sideline, there may be more begrudging acceptance of that this time.
    — Chris Evans, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • Philadelphia needs its rookie quarterback, Carson Wentz, to post 300 passing yards for a third consecutive week, because there is no running the ball against the Ravens, who have the most begrudging ground defense in the league.
    — DAVID WHITE, New York Times, 16 Dec. 2016
Definition of begrudging
Verb
  • Now look, there is nothing wrong with opposing the Ellisons or disapproving of changes over this past year at CBS News.
    — Chris Wallace, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Rubio, meanwhile, came out of the deal with positive reviews from the pro-Israel crowd, who viewed his silence as disapproving of the concessions made in the deal.
    — Joseph Strauss, Sun Sentinel, 20 July 2026
Definition of disapproving
Adjective
  • Although Ventura County already procures renewable electricity through a community choice energy program, local generation is expected to offer a more economical route to meeting its sustainability targets.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Stax so his drumming was so solid and in the pocket, economical with his high hats, a joy to hear.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of economical
Verb
  • The engineer abruptly resigned after refusing to contribute to a reckless corporate competition that could ultimately lead to uncontrollable AI.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Failing the exam or refusing to take it is proof of the need for civil commitment.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of refusing
Adjective
  • Starring Elordi and Barry Keoghan, Fennell’s dark comedy about class resentment and covetous destruction was sold on the promise of erotic excess.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 9 Feb. 2026
  • For most players, that amount of storage is realistically enough for all but the most covetous data hoarders.
    — Matt Kamen, Wired News, 3 Aug. 2025
Definition of covetous
Verb
  • In March 2022, 141 countries supported a resolution deploring Russian aggression and demanding that Russia withdraw its forces.
    — Lidia Pilecky, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Regardless of the level of material damage, Shiites are deploring the physical and spiritual assaults against their sacred landscape.
    — Mary Thurlkill, The Conversation, 30 Mar. 2026
Definition of deploring

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Cite this Entry

“Grudging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grudging. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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