- Definition
- Definition
- Synonyms
- Synonym Chooser
- Example Sentences
- Word History
- Related Articles
- Entries Near
-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
Synonyms
ghastly, grisly, gruesome, macabre, lurid mean horrifying and repellent in appearance or aspect.
ghastly suggests the terrifying aspects of corpses and ghosts.
macabre implies a morbid preoccupation with the physical aspects of death.
lurid adds to gruesome the suggestion of shuddering fascination with violent death and especially with murder.
Examples of gruesome in a Sentence
Word History
alteration of earlier growsome, from English dialect grow, grue to shiver, from Middle English gruen, probably from Middle Dutch grūwen; akin to Old High German ingrūēn to shiver
circa 1700, in the meaning defined above
Articles Related to gruesome
Dictionary Entries Near gruesome
Cite this Entry
“Gruesome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gruesome. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
More from Merriam-Webster on gruesome
Nglish: Translation of gruesome for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of gruesome for Arabic Speakers
Share