GRIEF Synonyms: 134 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

grief

noun

ˈgrēf

Definition of grief next

as in sorrow

deep sadness especially for the loss of someone or something loved even the gruff grandfather felt a heartbreaking grief when the family dog died

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in frustration

the feeling of impatience or anger caused by another's repeated disagreeable acts there seemed to be no end to the grief that the school bullies were giving to the young boy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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 Holker opens up about navigating grief, supporting their three children, and discovering that beneath Boss’s infectious joy lay hidden struggles with addiction and self-doubt. —

Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 11 Jan. 2025 The case has drawn significant attention with an outpouring of grief from fans and loved ones of the two brothers. —

Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025 In the hospital morgue, a man could be seen kneeling and bidding farewell to a relative before slamming a refrigerator door in an outburst of grief. —

Wafaa Shurafa, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2025 For the better part of two centuries, the Easy Chair—the oldest column in American journalism—has as often as not been a source of grief for its occupants. —

Christopher Carroll, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for grief

Recent Examples of Synonyms for grief

Noun

Inaugurations have been held in both joy and sorrow in the nation's capital and, infamously, on a plane in Dallas.

— James Powel, USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2025
In a heartfelt statement from Truex's children – Martin Truex Jr., Ryan Truex, and Marsha McVey, the family shared their deep sorrow, paying tribute to their late father.

— David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Jan. 2025