grimy

adjective

ˈgrī-mē How to pronounce grimy (audio)
Definition of grimynext
as in filthy
not clean this mirror is so grimy you can barely see your reflection in it

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 grimy With a haunting soundtrack and precise, brooding cinematography, Argento creates a chillingly grimy atmosphere that pervades every frame. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Aug. 2026 Arguably the standout set of the entire festival, her set was grimy and dark, featuring songs off her new album, Music, Fashion, Film, for the first time with a permanent snarl. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026 Olivia Dean’s romantic dresses and vintage references offer another option entirely, one typically not associated with the sometimes grimy setting of Grant Park. — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 28 July 2026 In an Atlantic essay, Wight recalled finding a mechanic reading Thucydides on the grimy floor of his shop, a bare bulb illuminating his page. — Elias Wachtel, The Atlantic, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for grimy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grimy
  1. filthy
  2. dusty
  3. dirty
  4. blackened
  5. stained
  6. muddy
  7. black
Adjective
  • People were filthy in so many ways, so Mike really wrote that in.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 20 Aug. 2026
  • While sinks can become filthy from soap splatters and dirty hands, toilets need cleaning for very different reasons.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of filthy
Adjective
  • One Baguette is covered in a kaleidoscopic geometric pattern of colorful beads; another resembles a tiny textile artwork in dusty pink, green, and turquoise.
    — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
  • One rises, then another, then seemingly all of them—great striped bulbs of crimson, lemon yellow, and turquoise drifting between the fairy chimneys as the first sunlight catches the dusty pink folds of the landscape.
    — Scott Campbell, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of dusty
Adjective
  • The dogs, according to the charges, had dirty water and their fur was stained with urine and feces.
    — Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Fourth, the handle needed to be patterned for a secure grip even in dirty, wet conditions, so checkering or deep ribbing was added to the alloy metal.
    — David Szondy August 30, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of dirty
Adjective
  • The land, unfenced, abuts a bald blackened hillside that must be public land.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2025
Definition of blackened
Adjective
  • How To Deep Clean Stained Wood Baseboards For stained wood baseboards, Matthews advises dusting using a dry microfiber cloth and Murphy’s Oil or a wood cleaning oil (remove excessive dirt and crumbs with a vacuum cleaner first).
    — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The stained glass above the front door had fallen into the street, held up only by a single cord.
    — Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of stained
Adjective
  • The area where travelers went through border control to enter or leave China has been flattened to a muddy area, according to satellite images.
    — Niranjan Shrestha, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • And then there’s the Kiyosaki residence, a rambling Moroccan fantasia with muddy adobe walls and a pink door.
    — Christopher Cox, Vanity Fair, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of muddy
Adjective
  • In an appearance on Emma Grede’s Aspire podcast, Garner opted for a black, button-front vest styled with wide-leg, pleat-front trousers and a pair of pumps.
    — Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Shop the Patio Zen Deck Box in black or gray and choose from 16 capacities ranging from 30 to 320 gallons.
    — Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of black

Browse Nearby Words

grimness
grimy
grin
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Grimy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grimy. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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