grief

1
2

Synonym Chooser

How is the word grief different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of grief are anguish, regret, sorrow, and woe. While all these words mean "distress of mind," grief implies poignant sorrow for an immediate cause.

the inexpressible grief of the bereaved parents

When is it sensible to use anguish instead of grief?

The meanings of anguish and grief largely overlap; however, anguish suggests torturing grief or dread.

the anguish felt by the parents of the kidnapped child

When would regret be a good substitute for grief?

The words regret and grief are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, regret implies pain caused by deep disappointment, fruitless longing, or unavailing remorse.

nagging regret for missed opportunities

When is sorrow a more appropriate choice than grief?

While the synonyms sorrow and grief are close in meaning, sorrow implies a sense of loss or a sense of guilt and remorse.

a family united in sorrow upon the patriarch's death

When might woe be a better fit than grief?

The synonyms woe and grief are sometimes interchangeable, but woe is deep or inconsolable grief or misery.

cries of woe echoed throughout the bombed city

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 grief As a grief counsellor, Ed traces people’s final moments but the show asks whether our planet has an expiration date, or is there an expiration date on relationships? John Hopewell, Variety, 27 Apr. 2025 The film tells the story of a tech entrepreneur (Vincent Cassel) grappling with memory and grief. Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025 Although some in the media distort the anger directed at Rowling from trans activists, trans people, and allies, the truth is those feelings — not just anger, but betrayal and grief — are justified. Aja Romano, Vox, 18 Apr. 2025 One year out from Randall’s accident, Staten’s barely starting to get out from under his grief, with the patient and persistent support of Quinn (Minka Kelly), his late wife’s best friend and the owner of what appears to be the only bar in the sleepy Texan town of Ransom Canyon. Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 17 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grief
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grief
Noun
  • But while there was undeniable joy in that surreal experience, a quiet sorrow lingered beneath it all.
    Carissa Talmage, People.com, 2 May 2025
  • The aubade flourishes wherever lovers try to cling to a few more moments together before the sweet sorrow of parting.
    A.O. Scott, New York Times, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • Maybe the trauma was having the type of brain that this type of world is not built for and butting up against that frustration again and again.
    Lizz Schumer, People.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • The frustration of losing the Corales Puntacana Championship almost on the last hole quickly passed for Joel Dahmen.
    Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In anguish, the woman wept, asking the heavens why mother and daughter were fated to be separated.
    Karissa Chen, People.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Even though little about Kumar’s demeanor suggests the 1920s, there is conviction in his anguish for his country.
    Anupama Chopra, HollywoodReporter, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • That same exhaustion— both physical and mental, and a general sense of exasperation with family members who can’t step up without her help—may also explain why nearly one-third of moms are considering celebrating alone this year.
    Liz Regalia, Parents, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Weeks, possibly months, of exasperation were released inside 33 seconds.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Moreover, over 70% of participants experienced mild skin irritation from the vinegar.
    Amy Brownstein, MS, RDN, Verywell Health, 25 Apr. 2025
  • These shifts can have a significant impact on the skin barrier, often leading to irritation, dryness, or breakouts.
    Cierra Black, Essence, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to …boffo box office!
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 27 Apr. 2025
  • The focal point of our anger and pain may not even know we are hurt.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Grief.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grief. Accessed 10 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on grief

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!