Definitions

grievous

[gree-vuhs] / ˈgri vəs /

ADJECTIVE

severe, painful; serious

Synonyms

STRONGEST

appalling atrocious calamitous damaging deplorable dire dreadful egregious flagrant glaring heinous intolerable lamentable monstrous outrageous shameful shocking tragic unbearable

WEAK

afflicting agonizing dismal disquieting distressing disturbing grave harmful heart-rending heavy hurtful injurious mournful offensive onerous oppressive pathetic pitiful sad sharp sorrowful taxing tough troublesome upsetting villainous weighty wounding

Antonyms

STRONGEST

acceptable bearable blessed comforting concealed delightful favorable fortunate good happy hidden little lucky magnificent mild pleasing tolerable wonderful

WEAK

harmless pleasant

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

AP: Grievous mistakes have been committed in the name of religions.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 4, 2023

In their cinematic duel, Obi-Wan disposes of Grievous with a laser blaster, which he afterward describes as “so uncivilized.”

From Washington Post • May 26, 2022

Grievous bodily harm has steadily decreased since the last election, following a long-term trend in previous years.

From BBC • May 5, 2019

Grievous personal conflicts that deserve careful adjudication have become fodder for content creators, and their young fans are watching with rapt attention.

From Slate • Mar. 7, 2018

"Grievous indeed to us," says St. Bernard, "is the temptation of the enemy, but far more grievous to him is our prayer."

From The Warfare of the Soul Practical Studies in the Life of Temptation by Hughson, Shirley C.

Vocabulary lists containing grievous

The SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 6

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A Wrinkle in Time

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Antigone

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