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

While this frequently memed moment is no Duel of the Fates, Obi-Wan going up against seasoned Jedi killer General Grievous and his four-armed lightsaber attack is quite the Star Wars sight.

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

Sharp pain, disease, or bodily decay, Grievous disaster, or a mind distraught; 139.

From The Buddha's Path of Virtue A Translation of the Dhammapada by Woodward, Frank Lee

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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