GRISLY Synonyms: 81 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'grisly' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of grisly are ghastly , gruesome , lurid , and macabre . While all these words mean "horrifying and repellent in appearance or aspect," grisly and gruesome suggest additionally the results of extreme violence or cruelty. // an unusually grisly murder // suffered a gruesome death

Q: When is 'ghastly' a more appropriate choice than 'grisly'?

Although the words ghastly and grisly have much in common, ghastly suggests the terrifying aspects of corpses and ghosts. // a ghastly accident

Q: How do 'lurid' and 'gruesome' relate to one another, in the sense of 'grisly'?

Lurid adds to gruesome the suggestion of shuddering fascination with violent death and especially with murder. // the lurid details of a crime

Q: When might 'macabre' be a better fit than 'grisly'?

While the synonyms macabre and grisly are close in meaning, macabre implies a morbid preoccupation with the physical aspects of death. // a macabre tale of premature burial

grisly

adjective

ˈgriz-lē

Definition of grisly next

as in gruesome

extremely disturbing or repellent the police report described the murder scene in grisly detail

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How is the word grisly different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of grisly are ghastly, gruesome, lurid, and macabre. While all these words mean "horrifying and repellent in appearance or aspect," grisly and gruesome suggest additionally the results of extreme violence or cruelty.

an unusually grisly murder

suffered a gruesome death

When is ghastly a more appropriate choice than grisly?

Although the words ghastly and grisly have much in common, ghastly suggests the terrifying aspects of corpses and ghosts.

a ghastly accident

How do lurid and gruesome relate to one another, in the sense of grisly?

Lurid adds to gruesome the suggestion of shuddering fascination with violent death and especially with murder.

the lurid details of a crime

When might macabre be a better fit than grisly?

While the synonyms macabre and grisly are close in meaning, macabre implies a morbid preoccupation with the physical aspects of death.

a macabre tale of premature burial

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 grisly Based on text messages exchanged by the couple, the accumulation of bodies began four years before the grisly discovery. —

Christina Coulter, Fox News, 29 Sep. 2024 Here are key dates in the case: Aug. 20, 1989: A grisly murder in Beverly Hills Kitty and Jose were shot to death in their den. —

Tim Stelloh, NBC News, 9 Nov. 2024 For fans of either Flanagan, Edgar Allan Poe, or Succession, The Fall of the House of Usher — about a painkiller-peddling family of billionaires finally getting its grisly comeuppance — is a delightfully gnarly watch. —

Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2024 Prosecutors alleged that the brothers had planned and carried out the grisly shootings in order to gain control of their parents' $14.5-million estate. —

Megan McCluskey, TIME, 19 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for grisly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for grisly

Adjective

Prehistoric Rock Art Sites Created 'Multisensory Experience' For Hunter-Gatherers By Aristos Georgiou Science and Health Reporter 0 A collection of prehistoric human remains has revealed gruesome insights into a brutal massacre that took place more than 4,000 years ago.

Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024
Police think the gruesome gunshot death is suicide.

Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024