Search Dictionary
Definition of gruesome

gruesome

/ˈɡruː.səm/
grue · some
Adverb:gruesomely
JUMP TO:

gruesome Lexical Profile

gruesome Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Causing intense horror, revulsion, or disgust, especially by involving graphic injury, death, or decay.

Example

"The historical account omitted the most gruesome details of the medieval siege."

2

Extremely unpleasant, severe, or trying.

Example

"After a gruesome twelve-hour shift at the hospital, she went straight to sleep."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for gruesome
Antonyms
View all antonyms for gruesome

• Rhymes for gruesome

• Nearby Words

grudgingly
gruel
grueling
gruesome
gruesomely
gruesomeness
gruff

Word Origin & Etymology

Originated in the late 16th century as a Scottish and Northern English dialect word formed from the verb 'grue' (meaning to shudder or feel terror, of Scandinavian or Middle Dutch origin) and the suffix '-some'. It entered mainstream literary English in the early 19th century through the historical novels of Sir Walter Scott.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Gruesome. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/gruesome
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.