grinch
6 synonyms for grinch, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A grumpy, joyless person who spoils others' fun, especially around the holidays.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use grinch
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
act like a grinch
a real grinch
don't be a grinch
Etymology
Named after the grumpy title character of Dr. Seuss's 1957 book "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" — the character's name has since become a generic term for any holiday killjoy.
Full origin of grinch →Frequently asked questions
What does “grinch” mean?
The word “grinch” means a grumpy, joyless person who spoils others' fun, especially around the holidays. In plain terms, a modern nickname for anyone who acts like a grump and ruins the festive mood.
How do you pronounce “grinch”?
“Grinch” is pronounced grihnch (/ɡɹɪnt͡ʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “grinch” in a sentence?
Here is “grinch” used in a sentence: “Don't be such a grinch — come join the party!”
What part of speech is “grinch”?
“Grinch” is a noun.
Where does the word “grinch” come from?
The word “grinch” dates back to around 1957. Named after the grumpy title character of Dr. Seuss's 1957 book "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" — the character's name has since become a generic term for any holiday killjoy.
