gruesome
5 synonyms for gruesome, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Causing horror or disgust, especially through graphic violence or death.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use gruesome
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
gruesome details
a gruesome murder
Etymology
Built from the archaic word grue, meaning "to shudder with fear," plus the suffix -some; the word was popularized in the early 19th century partly through the novels of Walter Scott.
Full origin of gruesome →Frequently asked questions
What does “gruesome” mean?
The word “gruesome” means causing horror or disgust, especially through graphic violence or death. In plain terms, shockingly horrific or grisly, usually describing violence, injury, or death.
How do you pronounce “gruesome”?
“Gruesome” is pronounced GROO-suhm (/ˈɡɹusəm/ in IPA).
How do you use “gruesome” in a sentence?
Here is “gruesome” used in a sentence: “The news report described the gruesome scene at the crash site.”
What part of speech is “gruesome”?
“Gruesome” is an adjective.
Where does the word “gruesome” come from?
The word “gruesome” dates back to around 1800. Built from the archaic word grue, meaning "to shudder with fear," plus the suffix -some; the word was popularized in the early 19th century partly through the novels of Walter Scott.
Is “gruesome” a common word?
“Gruesome” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
