grudge

3 synonyms for grudge, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — A long-held feeling of resentment or ill will toward someone, usually because of a past wrong.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

score

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

stew grievance

Synonyms by Meaning

1. noun

A long-held feeling of resentment or ill will toward someone, usually because of a past wrong.

“She still holds a grudge against her old business partner.”

score stew grievance

2. verb

To be reluctant to give or allow something.

“He grudged every penny he had to spend on repairs.”

stew

How to use grudge

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

hold a grudge bear a grudge

Etymology

A variant of the older word grutch, from Old French grouchier meaning to grumble or murmur, likely imitative in origin.

Full origin of grudge →

Frequently asked questions

What does “grudge” mean?

The word “grudge” means a long-held feeling of resentment or ill will toward someone, usually because of a past wrong. In plain terms, lingering resentment over something someone did to you in the past.

How do you pronounce “grudge”?

“Grudge” is pronounced gruhj (/ɡɹʌd͡ʒ/ in IPA).

How do you use “grudge” in a sentence?

Here is “grudge” used in a sentence: “She still holds a grudge against her old business partner.”

What part of speech is “grudge”?

Depending on how it is used, “grudge” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “grudge” come from?

The word “grudge” comes from Old French. A variant of the older word grutch, from Old French grouchier meaning to grumble or murmur, likely imitative in origin.

Is “grudge” a common word?

“Grudge” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “grudge” have?

“Grudge” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a long-held feeling of resentment or ill will toward someone, usually because of a past wrong.

People also searched

score stew grievance

Nearby words

← Back to the full definition of grudge