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Definition of grotesquenext
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grotesque

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word grotesque different from other adjectives like it?

The words bizarre and fantastic are common synonyms of grotesque. While all three words mean "conceived, made, or carried out without adherence to truth or reality," grotesque may apply to what is conventionally ugly but artistically effective or it may connote ludicrous awkwardness or incongruity often with sinister or tragic overtones.

grotesque statues on the cathedral
though grieving, she made a grotesque attempt at a smile

When could bizarre be used to replace grotesque?

In some situations, the words bizarre and grotesque are roughly equivalent. However, bizarre applies to the sensationally strange and implies violence of contrast or incongruity of combination.

a bizarre medieval castle in the heart of a modern city

When would fantastic be a good substitute for grotesque?

The words fantastic and grotesque are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fantastic may connote extravagance in conception or ingenuity of decorative invention.

dreamed up fantastic rumors

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of grotesque
Adjective
The idea behind [the brand] actually came from my graduation thesis on the concept of the grotesque. Diana Tsui, Footwear News, 16 June 2026 The main enemy faction, The Hiss, looks even more grotesque than before, almost otherworldly. George Yang, Space.com, 15 June 2026
Noun
Indeed, compared with the realistically creased faces and hangdog stares of the Cubs, the Boston fans behind them are closer to grotesques, an inhuman crush of caricatures. Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026 Phillips rose to prominence in the ‘90s for glossy, photorealistic paintings like Below that grappled with sexuality, beauty and the grotesque. Uwa Ede-Osifo, Dallas Morning News, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for grotesque
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grotesque
Adjective
  • Despite a soggy start, the crowd stayed loud and energetic throughout the night.
    Anna McAllister, CBS News, 2 July 2026
  • There are loud crowds, and then there are Mexican soccer crowds.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • Lasko’s teammate, Devin Taylor, was able to get up and field the rolling ball that split the two defenders, but Lasko stayed on the ground in what was a pretty ugly crash.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • His ability to perform a cesarean section — something Doc couldn't dream of — forces the town to reckon with an ugly part of their collective conscience.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • Or will the monsters get in their way?
    Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 27 June 2026
  • Making matters worse, Christophe has a spinal condition that requires him to wear a massive metal back brace 24/7, turning him into a pre-teen metal monster.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • White settlers and frontier pioneers built vast, fenceless cattle stations, battling harsh environments and disease, embracing a hard-living culture that exists to this day.
    Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
  • Dish Soap Using harsh chemicals on the outside of your toilet bowl and fixtures is not recommended, according to Meagher.
    Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 4 July 2026
Adjective
  • The ace endured a rocky start punctuated by a hideous 11-run blowup in Minnesota and has now been sidelined with a shoulder injury since April 26.
    Mac Cerullo, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2026
  • Everyone's favorite hideous ogre and delusional donkey are finally reunited.
    Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • Harry Styles’ brief but jarring collapse during his London performance this weekend was not a result of the heatwave affecting Europe, but choking.
    Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 29 June 2026
  • That is why watching Ronaldo against DR Congo last Wednesday felt jarring.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • The remarks not only referred to the aesthetics of the game – tedious matches devoid of skillful merit that were unpleasing to watch.
    Cesar R. Torres, The Conversation, 26 May 2026
  • Usually a team of elegant offense, Michigan instead clanked 13 triples off the rim and relied on its inside defensive ferocity to win a game nearly as aesthetically unpleasing as UConn’s 53-41 win over Butler in 2011.
    Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Noah Kahan is speaking out about a disgusting habit picked up by some music fans.
    Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 29 June 2026
  • French broadcaster French Pierron was under fire for calling childbirth 'a disgusting moment.
    Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 22 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Grotesque.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grotesque. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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