grief

[greef] / grif /

NOUN

mental suffering

Synonyms

STRONGEST

agony anguish bereavement despair discomfort gloom heartache heartbreak melancholy misery mourning pain regret remorse sadness sorrow trouble unhappiness woe worry

STRONG

affliction care dejection depression desolation despondency disquiet distress dole dolor grievance harassment infelicity lamentation malaise mortification mournfulness purgatory rue torture trial tribulation vexation wretchedness

WEAK

bemoaning bewailing deploring lamenting repining

Antonyms

STRONGEST

advantage blessing cheer comfort contentedness contentment gladness good health happiness health joy joyfulness peace pleasure relief satisfaction

STRONG

aid calm help hopefulness

WEAK

delight ecstasy exhilaration

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.

They’re afflicted by this weight or recognize their responsibility in it or feel some combination of shame, remorse, disgust and grief.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

"I haven't been able to get him out of my mind... I haven't slept properly since and the grief that the family is going through, they're a lovely family and they don't deserve it."

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

But films about this specific form of gun violence provide audiences who have otherwise had to bury their grief with the chance to reckon with the reality.

From Salon • Apr. 9, 2026

Guthrie’s decision to work through her grief is a positive outcome for “Today.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

“I didn’t have to face my grief, like Asase said?”

From "Kwame Crashes the Underworld" by Craig Kofi Farmer

Vocabulary lists containing grief

"Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare, Act I

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Emotions on Display

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"Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare, Act III

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!