gruesome

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "gruesome" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is horrifying or shocking, especially because it involves a lot of violence or suffering. Example sentence: Even though he had seen a lot of terrible things, he was still shocked by the gruesome scene in front of him.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Opinion

Arts

Travel

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His technique was repetition, constantly assailing the public with ever more gruesome facts, recycling tales of graveyard degradations, seeking out new examples.

The Guardian

Even so, the content of the film is so gruesome that the team insisted that a panel discussion be held after every screening, to help with what Haggith describes as the "shock and trauma" it induces.

The Guardian - Film

The peaceful atmosphere and, bizarrely, the large number of cows aimlessly wandering around, seemed at odds with the gruesome past of the site.

The Guardian - Travel

Then, there'd be a gruesome howling sound, and everything would shudder.

The Guardian - Travel

When confronted by the gruesome reality of life for some of society's most vulnerable and damaged (not to mention violent and damaging) young people, there is a temptation to wring one's hands and say: "Well, what can you do?" In this case, the answer is clear and compelling.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the final gruesome hours of waiting, the American judicial system at its very highest echelons was involved – including the US supreme court, which issued the decisive final ruling.

The Guardian

Found improbable fame later in life as the gruesome Uncle Fester in the TV series of The Addams Family.

The Guardian - Film

The burly figure in an armour-like protective suit could be an emergency worker from the scene of some gruesome disaster.

The Guardian - Arts

The restoration team watched the original raw footage and discovered shots of bulldozers shovelling corpses into the burial pits that was too gruesome even for such a shocking film.

The Guardian - Film

The diet of gruesome "reality TV" (there is no such thing) and witless "lifestyle" shows is corrupting – it is a betrayal of the British.

The Guardian - Opinion

Then in April, Oklahoma saw gruesome scenes of officials struggling and failing to find a vein in death row inmate Clayton Lockett, who struggled for 43 minutes, much of it behind a curtain that prevented the media witnessing the events.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "gruesome" to describe scenes or events that are visually or conceptually disturbing, particularly those involving violence, injury, or death. It is most effective when used to emphasize the shocking nature of these elements.

Common error

Avoid using "gruesome" too frequently, as it can desensitize readers or make your writing appear overly sensationalized. Use it sparingly to maximize its impact and consider using synonyms like "horrific" or "grisly" for variety.

Linguistic Context

The word "gruesome" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that is shockingly horrifying or repulsive. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is correctly used to intensify descriptions of scenes or events, highlighting their disturbing nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Film

7%

Books

6%

Less common in

Arts

5%

Opinion

4%

Travel

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gruesome" is a potent adjective used to describe something horrifying or shocking, particularly involving violence or suffering. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its frequency is "very common", especially in news, film, and literature, where it serves to evoke strong emotional responses. While effective, it should be used judiciously to avoid desensitization and maintain impact. Alternative words such as "horrific", "ghastly", and "grisly" can provide variety and nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

horrific

Focuses on the ability to cause horror or terror.

ghastly

Emphasizes a deathlike or ghostly appearance, often implying shock or disgust.

grisly

Highlights the horrifying and repellent nature of something, particularly involving violence.

macabre

Focuses on the disturbing and horrifying aspects of death and injury.

appalling

Stresses the shocking and deeply disturbing nature of something.

dreadful

Implies extreme unpleasantness or inferiority.

shocking

Emphasizes the sudden and disturbing impact of something.

repulsive

Focuses on the ability to cause intense disgust.

frightful

Highlights the terrifying and alarming aspects of something.

horrifying

Indicates something that causes overwhelming fear or shock.

FAQs

How can I use "gruesome" in a sentence?

"Gruesome" is typically used to describe something that is shockingly horrifying or repulsive. For example, "The crime scene was a "gruesome" sight" or "The movie contained "gruesome" scenes of violence."

What words are similar in meaning to "gruesome"?

Synonyms for "gruesome" include "ghastly", "grisly", "horrific", "macabre", and "dreadful". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "gruesome" in formal writing?

While "gruesome" is a valid word, its intense connotation may make it unsuitable for some formal contexts. Consider the audience and purpose of your writing. In less formal or creative writing, it can be used effectively to evoke strong emotions.

What is the difference between "gruesome" and "horrible"?

"Gruesome" specifically implies a shocking and repulsive kind of horror, often related to violence or death. "Horrible" is a more general term for something very unpleasant or bad. A situation can be "horrible" without being "gruesome", but something "gruesome" is almost always also "horrible".