grief

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word grief different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of grief are anguish, regret, sorrow, and woe. While all these words mean "distress of mind," grief implies poignant sorrow for an immediate cause.

the inexpressible grief of the bereaved parents

When is it sensible to use anguish instead of grief?

The meanings of anguish and grief largely overlap; however, anguish suggests torturing grief or dread.

the anguish felt by the parents of the kidnapped child

When would regret be a good substitute for grief?

The words regret and grief are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, regret implies pain caused by deep disappointment, fruitless longing, or unavailing remorse.

nagging regret for missed opportunities

When is sorrow a more appropriate choice than grief?

While the synonyms sorrow and grief are close in meaning, sorrow implies a sense of loss or a sense of guilt and remorse.

a family united in sorrow upon the patriarch's death

When might woe be a better fit than grief?

The synonyms woe and grief are sometimes interchangeable, but woe is deep or inconsolable grief or misery.

cries of woe echoed throughout the bombed city

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 grief Not knowing how to let go of someone who means so much, 15-year-old Trey buried his grief in sport. Dan Pompei, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025 And the act of carrying a dead calf is just that: a sign of grief. Bailey Richards, People.com, 13 Jan. 2025 MusiCares, the Recording Academy’s non-profit aimed at providing assistance to the music community in times of grief, pledged $1 million last week to establish its Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort. Ethan Millman, Rolling Stone, 13 Jan. 2025 California What happened on Monday, Jan. 13 during the Eaton, Palisades firestorms in Southern California Jan. 13, 2025 So Kipling, 80, is left with a strange combination of gratitude and grief. Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for grief 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grief
Noun
  • In a heartfelt statement from Truex's children – Martin Truex Jr., Ryan Truex, and Marsha McVey, the family shared their deep sorrow, paying tribute to their late father.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Inaugurations have been held in both joy and sorrow in the nation's capital and, infamously, on a plane in Dallas.
    James Powel, USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Also Wednesday, some scientists on social media posted frustrations that the NIH had stopped approving money for research grants through its review groups, called study sections.
    Erika Edwards, NBC News, 23 Jan. 2025
  • As frustration mounts, a once-fringe idea regains traction: secession.
    Dr. Alex Gold, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • However, this child was left vulnerable...and [their parents] now faced the anguish of watching their child fight for their life on a ventilator.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 27 Jan. 2025
  • The football world felt the collective anguish of a fan base during Buffalo’s 13-seconds loss to Kansas City.
    Matthew Fairburn, The Athletic, 25 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The midfielder, born in the north Liverpool suburb of West Derby and part of the academy since the age of five, still set up two of Everton’s three goals, but there were moments of visible frustration and several cries of exasperation when his runs forward were not found by a team-mate.
    Patrick Boyland, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
  • In Los Angeles, residents displaced by the fires watched in exasperation as the unfolding disaster was politicized.
    David Gelles, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Rosewater offers anti-inflammatory benefits, reducing redness and calming irritation, while hyaluronic acid delivers lightweight hydration, ensuring the skin stays moisturized without clogging pores.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 19 Jan. 2025
  • While generally safe, saline drops can sometimes cause mild irritation or dryness, so adjust usage as needed.
    Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • He was also required to take an anger management course and a 52-week Batterer’s Intervention Program.
    Skyler Caruso, People.com, 22 Jan. 2025
  • After government measures during the Covid pandemic sparked anger and confusion, rolling out a vaccine for H5N1 too soon could do more harm than good.
    Emily Mullin, WIRED, 22 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near grief

Cite this Entry

“Grief.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grief. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on grief

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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