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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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of grim
Despite the grim prognosis, Arivia welcomed Zack at 37 weeks with no complications.
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Angela Andaloro, People.com, 3 Jan. 2025
Data from Korn Ferry paints a grim picture—senior executives distrust the C-suite, managers struggle to trust their subordinates and entry-level workers feel watched and doubted.
—Sherzod Odilov, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024
To put it mildly, 2024 did not hold back on grim news.
—Natalie Escobar, NPR, 24 Dec. 2024
Viewers watched as Berghoff spilled chilling anecdotes of her experiences, painting a grim picture of the dangers lurking in the digital dating pool.
—Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for grim 
Angela Andaloro, People.com, 3 Jan. 2025
Data from Korn Ferry paints a grim picture—senior executives distrust the C-suite, managers struggle to trust their subordinates and entry-level workers feel watched and doubted.
—Sherzod Odilov, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024
To put it mildly, 2024 did not hold back on grim news.
—Natalie Escobar, NPR, 24 Dec. 2024
Viewers watched as Berghoff spilled chilling anecdotes of her experiences, painting a grim picture of the dangers lurking in the digital dating pool.
—Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for grim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grim
Adjective
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The wartime leader became a global icon for his gruff fortitude in the opening stages of the war, but his domestic popularity has since dipped.David Brennan, ABC News, 17 Jan. 2025
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Anderson recalled, adopting a gruff tone and pointing toward the audience.EW.com, EW.com, 6 Jan. 2025
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Soviet scientists at the time believed that strays, given that they were already accustomed to harsh conditions, would be better suited to the extreme environments of space.Scott Travers, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025
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Florida threatens to lead the nation in state killings now because of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ new law, the nation’s harshest, allowing as few as eight of 12 jurors to recommend execution instead of a unanimous verdict.Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun Sentinel Editorial Boards, Orlando Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Feeling defeated, Kitty gets a pep talk from Min Ho, who reminds her of her relentless spirit and determination.Jordana Comiter, People.com, 18 Jan. 2025
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Sports High School Sports Four reach double figures to lead Cavaliers, who get a strong finish from senior guard Kam Carter UPDATED: January 17, 2025 at 10:18 PM EST Spalding senior guard Kam Carter sealed a win over St. Frances with two relentless finishes at the basket in the closing minutes.Glenn Graham, Baltimore Sun, 18 Jan. 2025
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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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President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming border czar Tom Homan has issued a stern warning to migrants illegally entering the U.S. in the final days of the Biden administration.Jackson Walker, Baltimore Sun, 6 Jan. 2025
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That’s the pinnacle stewardship stern directors, CFOs and CTOs embrace.Noah Barsky, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Resolutions often fail due to an all-or-nothing mindset full of tough self-criticism.Jane Hanson, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
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Rempe became a fan favorite in New York as a rookie last season, making a name for himself around the NHL by fighting the league's biggest and toughest stalwarts.Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Thousands of miles away from their home in Philadelphia, Sara is determined to keep heading westward to meet Devin’s father in the California town of Crook Springs.Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 9 Jan. 2025
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The White House has said Biden is determined to close Guantánamo Bay before the end of his term.Mushtaq Yusufzai, NBC News, 8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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More than 12,000 homes have been destroyed by ferocious fires that have left at least 11 dead.Chantz Martin, Fox News, 12 Jan. 2025
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Those howling winds, measured at speeds approaching 100 mph, fueled the ferocious firestorms that followed.Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, 11 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near grim
Cite this Entry
“Grim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grim. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
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