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.

Grief looks different for everyone but there are common patterns, believes Sadie James, from the Sandy Bear bereavement charity.

From BBC • May 16, 2026

Grief of a different sort was a feature of her tumultuous relationship with her oldest son, Robert, the only child who outlived her.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

Grief layered itself over everything, but we kept the children steady and the house functioning.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

"Grief still lasts to this day. It's hard."

From BBC • Feb. 21, 2026

He would never get these stupid things upstairs with Grief around.

From "Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher" by Bruce Coville

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!