Synonyms for

Gruesome

Verb / ˈgru:sʌm / Another word for gruesome — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

causing horror or disgust

Synonyms & similar words

grisly sick macabre grim ghastly horrible ghastly macabre terrifying horrifying shocking disturbing frightening grisly awful atrocious dreadful appalling hideous monstrous revolting repugnant repulsive scary spine-chilling

Synonyms by register

Formal

ghastly horrific hideous macabre

Informal

gross nasty sickening disgusting

Literary

grisly bloodcurdling ghastly

Antonyms

pleasant attractive beautiful appealing delightful charming lovely

Common collocations

  • gruesome murder
  • gruesome details
  • gruesome accident
  • gruesome sight
  • gruesome reality
  • gruesome discovery
  • gruesome scene

Word family

noun gruesomeness
adjective gruesome
adverb gruesomely

Usage note

Gruesome primarily describes things that are horrifying and disgusting, often related to violence or death. It carries a strong negative connotation.

Example sentences

  1. The movie was too gruesome for me to watch.
  2. The crime scene was gruesome and unsettling.
  3. The Halloween decorations were gruesome and frightening.
  4. The haunted house had a lot of gruesome props and effects.
  5. The story was so gruesome that I had nightmares.

Quotes

  • The world is so full of a number of things, I'm sure we should all be as happy as kings. - Robert Louis Stevenson
  • “For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
  • “A day without sunshine is like, you know, night.” - Steve Martin

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