grotesque 1 of 2

1
2

grotesque

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

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

The words bizarre and fantastic are common synonyms of grotesque. While all three words mean "conceived, made, or carried out without adherence to truth or reality," grotesque may apply to what is conventionally ugly but artistically effective or it may connote ludicrous awkwardness or incongruity often with sinister or tragic overtones.

grotesque statues on the cathedral
though grieving, she made a grotesque attempt at a smile

When could bizarre be used to replace grotesque?

In some situations, the words bizarre and grotesque are roughly equivalent. However, bizarre applies to the sensationally strange and implies violence of contrast or incongruity of combination.

a bizarre medieval castle in the heart of a modern city

When would fantastic be a good substitute for grotesque?

The words fantastic and grotesque are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fantastic may connote extravagance in conception or ingenuity of decorative invention.

dreamed up fantastic rumors

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 grotesque
Adjective
Even for Donald Trump, a man with a preternatural ability to offend, this was grotesque. George Pendle, airmail.news, 8 Mar. 2025 Joon ho’s screenwriting pen is packed with obscure truths, always hinting at humanity’s ugliest tendencies and grotesque habits above all else. Malik Peay, Essence, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
More amusingly, among the gargoyles and grotesques that dot the various towers are one in the form of a corrupt politician and another representing Darth Vader. Carolina A. Miranda, Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2023 Washington National Cathedral, a famous example of Neo-Gothic architecture, is known for its collection of more than a hundred gargoyles and grotesques, including funny ones. Kate McGregor, House Beautiful, 14 July 2023 See All Example Sentences for grotesque
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grotesque
Adjective
  • There has been a loud flirtation with Aaron Rodgers that Adofo-Mensah has danced around quite a bit.
    Steve Silverman, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • The crowd welcomed him with a loud ovation and cheered him on numerous times during the match.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • This included industrialization, and, with it, the conception of leisure as a way of allowing people to recuperate from work with a temporary escape from the ugly, unhealthy atmosphere of the city.
    Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Plus, with fewer games, an ugly two weeks in the NBA usually signals a five-alarm fire and overreactions.
    Shane Young, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The first major update, aptly titled Title Update 1, is set to be released later this week, and brings new monsters, new activities, and more for players of the game.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
  • White Painted Woman was a model of heroism and honorable womanhood: When evil monsters were hunting the Apache people, the White Painted Woman gave birth to a son who would destroy the creatures to help make Earth inhabitable for humanity.
    Alejandra Rubio, NPR, 29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Designed for hiking and other outdoor adventures, these water-resistant pants are made with UPF 50 protection from harsh sun rays along with several spacious, handy pockets.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 22 Mar. 2025
  • President Trump is threatening 20 years in prison for anyone who vandalizes a Tesla, specifically in a harsh El Salvador facility.
    Emily Forlini, PCMAG, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Her son wonders if the Woman might be dead and using the shroud to hide her hideous disfigurement.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Hard to believe that was 20 years ago, as of yesterday — or that we weren't injured by the metal springs practically protruding out of that hideous yellow sofa.
    EW Staff Published, EW.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Dreamy forests and bright angels curdle and mutate into digital grotesquerie, a Spam Folder of faceless creatures and shock shlock.
    Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 19 Feb. 2025
  • And his finest work, the 1990 television soap opera Twin Peaks, could also be considered a sensitive, comedic Rorschach test, given its all-American grotesqueries — the definition of his artistic expression.
    Armond White, National Review, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • This gives people the chance to adapt over time rather than experiencing a jarring impact at once.
    John Spencer Taylor, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Be just completely distracted from the jarring reality.
    Dory Jackson, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Smears on non-sensor areas of the tiara are like bug debris on your hood, aesthetically unpleasing but not harmful.
    Eric Tegler, Popular Mechanics, 1 Oct. 2019
  • His side's inability to finish off the game against Burnley on the other hand was very unpleasing.
    SI.com, SI.com, 1 Feb. 2018

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Grotesque.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grotesque. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on grotesque

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!