as in gruesome
informal
causing great mental or emotional pain
gut-wrenching decisions the novel's gut-wrenching opening scene
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gut-wrenching
The Alaska State Troopers Active Missing Persons Bulletins webpage shows the faces of more than 150 missing people, each with a gut-wrenching, heartbreaking story.
—
Bjorn Dihle, Outdoor Life, 4 Sep. 2025
This novel, set in Australia at the outset of World War II, is gut-wrenching.
—The Know, Denver Post, 31 Aug. 2025
Being intubated myself while having to make this decision was gut-wrenching.
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Aug. 2025
Charlotte Lawrence loves a good, gut-wrenching, sad song.
—Leah Lu, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gut-wrenching
Bjorn Dihle, Outdoor Life, 4 Sep. 2025
This novel, set in Australia at the outset of World War II, is gut-wrenching.
—The Know, Denver Post, 31 Aug. 2025
Being intubated myself while having to make this decision was gut-wrenching.
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Aug. 2025
Charlotte Lawrence loves a good, gut-wrenching, sad song.
—Leah Lu, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gut-wrenching
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gut-wrenching
Adjective
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Von had been Trump-friendly before the gruesome and heartbreaking videos of the ICE raids targeting working immigrants started going viral on social media.—
Armando Tinoco,
Deadline,
7 Nov. 2025
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Daniels suffered his gruesome non-throwing-arm injury during the fourth quarter of Week 9's blowout loss to the Seahawks.—
Matt Audilet,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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As this horrific scene is being investigated, prayers on behalf of our entire International Union are with those killed, injured, and affected, including their families, co-workers, and loved ones.—
Dan Gooding,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Nov. 2025
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The Washington Commanders took the brunt of criticism on Sunday after quarterback Jayden Daniels suffered a horrific arm injury in the team’s 38-14 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Shaheed is a terrific deep threat who will absolutely provide quarterback Sam Darnold with another dependable option in the aerial attack and will make the Seahawks' offense that much more dangerous.—
Matthew Schmidt,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
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The Montana ski area is known for being a terrific spring-skiing spot, with the season’s best conditions coming in March and April.—
Lydia Price,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Doncic has been extremely impressive in every appearance for the Lakers this season, marking his second year with the team after being traded midseason last year from the Dallas Mavericks in one of the most shocking moves in NBA history.—
Cole Sullivan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
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The shocking murder of Carlos Manzo, the mayor of Uruapan, on Saturday was one of the episodes of violence that sparked these protests in the state.—
Max Saltman,
CNN Money,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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But a computer sensor wasn’t needed to confirm his terrifying speed.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Nov. 2025
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Desperate to prove his mettle, Dek seeks out a terrifying creature of Yautja lore, determined to be the first of his kind to slay it.—
Richard Lawson,
HollywoodReporter,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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One of the most horrifying things imaginable is being stuck with a know-it-all who's eager to debate.—
Dennis Perkins,
Entertainment Weekly,
31 Oct. 2025
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What makes this character so horrifying?—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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As the day wears on, the crowd swells to a formidable throng.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
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If host Point Loma was going to stay unbeaten and advance to the Division 1 quarterfinal with a win over Mater Dei Catholic on Friday night, Pointers head coach Ryan Price was sure his formidable defense would have a major hand in it.—
Kevin J. Farmer,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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But the trailer also offers a glimpse a frightening car crash that derails their career and life plans.—
Tomás Mier,
Rolling Stone,
4 Nov. 2025
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There were no spooky increases at the pumps or frightening fuel costs this Halloween.—
Washington Examiner Staff,
The Washington Examiner,
31 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gut-wrenching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gut-wrenching. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.
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