1
as in gruff
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance
a grim and desolate landscape a grim and short-tempered shopkeeper who didn't exactly invite friendly conversation
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2
as in harsh
difficult to endure
this winter is supposed to be particularly grim, so stock up on firewood
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3
as in relentless
showing no signs of slackening or yielding in one's purpose
with grim determination, the woman worked three jobs to put her fatherless children through college
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4
as in savage
violently unfriendly or aggressive in disposition
grim warriors heading into battle
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of grim
The devastating Los Angeles fires have been a grim reminder of America’s homeowners insurance crisis, as climate change intensifies potential property damage and insurers scramble to price rising risk.
—
Andrea Riquier, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025
In a recent Tribune column, Laura Washington, paints a grim portrait of our city center.
—George Cardenas, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2025
The elegant and absurdly colorful movie musical sequences are meant to stand in sharp contrast to the increasingly grim physicality of the prison, where both Molina and Valentin are terrorized: beaten and poisoned and drugged.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 Jan. 2025
Violette’s complaint makes Florence face this grim reality.
—Esther Zuckerman, IndieWire, 26 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for grim 
Andrea Riquier, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025
In a recent Tribune column, Laura Washington, paints a grim portrait of our city center.
—George Cardenas, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2025
The elegant and absurdly colorful movie musical sequences are meant to stand in sharp contrast to the increasingly grim physicality of the prison, where both Molina and Valentin are terrorized: beaten and poisoned and drugged.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 Jan. 2025
Violette’s complaint makes Florence face this grim reality.
—Esther Zuckerman, IndieWire, 26 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for grim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grim
Adjective
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The track resonates with Belinda’s crystalline vocals, dynamic guitar riffs, and spirited trumpet interplays, while Tito’s distinctively gruff delivery adds grit to their musical escapade.—
Ingrid Fajardo,
Billboard,
17 Jan. 2025
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Resolved to continue on her trip for the sake of her son, Sara finds herself in a perilous situation, and is forced to lean on the elusive Issac Reed (Taylor Kitsch), a gruff recluse who lives on the outskirts of Ft. Bridger.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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That question is particularly pointed in the case of the U. of C. Will its promotion of freedom of expression and inquiry prove in the end to have been a marketing strategy that can be discarded in the face of harsh political realities?—
Jamie Kalven,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Feb. 2025
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These durable, lidded resin containers are designed to keep items dry and safe from harsh winter weather.—
Jené Luciani Sena,
Fox News,
1 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Instead of accepting defeat with grace and dignity and showing support and hope that the president is successful, we are burdened with relentless negative attacks.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2025
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From the enslaved women who set the tables for others to the moguls of today, the story of Black women in home and lifestyle is not one of erasure but of relentless reclamation.—
Essence,
Essence,
11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The 2023 grand marshal is former Arizona Democratic congresswoman Gabby Giffords, gravely wounded in a savage mass shooting in 2011 that also killed six people.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Dec. 2022
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As savage Arctic cold was getting ready to surge south across North America, vivid imagery based on data from weather models showed us what was going to happen.—
Tom Yulsman,
Discover Magazine,
27 Dec. 2022
Adjective
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As Kirsten Cohen’s stern taskmaster of a father, Alan Dale was only supposed to have a brief appearance on The O.C.—
Sezin Devi Koehler,
EW.com,
8 Feb. 2025
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Sterling was all smiles for the photo, but the same couldn’t be said for Bronze, who gave the camera a stern look.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
8 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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But fortunately for the Jayhawks, this game is at Allen Fieldhouse — a tough place for away teams to come and win games.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
3 Feb. 2025
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That included a couple of tough inside baskets while drawing fouls.—
Jeff Vorva,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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This isn’t a match the aristocracy would approve of, and sinister forces are determined to keep them apart.—
Lizz Schumer,
People.com,
2 Feb. 2025
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Jack Bech is determined to live that reality for himself and his other half.—
Christopher Kamrani,
The Athletic,
2 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Fueled by powerful winds and dry conditions, a series of ferocious wildfires erupted the second week of January and roared across the Los Angeles area.—
Saba Hamedy,
NBC News,
31 Jan. 2025
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The cast does commendable work bringing their characters to life: Ashe’s Elham is ferocious, prickly, and competitive; Tabbal’s Omid is lovable but too good; Lalezarzadeh’s Goli is young, bright-eyed, yet wise; Pooya’s Roya is queenly, imposing, and devoted.—
Christian Lewis,
Variety,
24 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near grim
Cite this Entry
“Grim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grim. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
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