Definitions

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.

The college holds a community gathering with counselors and chaplains on hand where we run through grief exercises and write memories of Paul on slips of colored construction paper.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

I had never seen a person so heavy with grief.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

“Orange County” is my particular favorite track; it feels light and upbeat with some whistling throughout — yet lyrically explores grief while also giving this feeling of hope in the darkness.

From Salon • Jun. 5, 2026

The wife of an American climber last seen on Ben Nevis almost four months ago said her grief is "on hold" while she waits for answers.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026

World War I inspired a flood of poems, novels, memoirs, songs, plays, and films that attempted to capture the horrors of modern warfare and the anguish and grief that follow in its wake.

From "The War to End All Wars: World War I" by Russell Freedman

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!