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Definitions

grudge

[gruhj] / grʌdʒ /
NOUN
hard feelings
Synonyms
STRONGEST
animosity animus antipathy bad blood bitterness enmity grievance hard feelings hate hatred ill will injustice malice rancor resentment
STRONG
aversion dislike hate injury malevolence maliciousness malignancy peeve pique spite spitefulness spleen venom
WEAK
bone to pick pet peeve
Antonyms
STRONGEST
friendliness friendship good will happiness kindness liking love loving respect sympathy
WEAK
favor forgiveness
VERB
feel resentful; give unwillingly
Synonyms
STRONG
begrudge complain covet deny envy mind pinch refuse resent stint
WEAK
be reluctant be stingy hold back
Antonyms
STRONG
allow approve be content be generous be happy give grant offer sanction
WEAK
favor forgive

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.

They could end up nursing a grudge that they paid $200 a night for a space that resembles a dingy roadside motel rather than a boutique experience.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

So you’d think he might have a grudge.

From Slate • Feb. 13, 2026

He also holds a grudge that his own creative interests were never given an opportunity to develop.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 28, 2026

“I don’t want to go through life with the same grudge against my friends.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 3, 2025

The girl is talking on her cell phone, saying, “I’m telling you, forget it. Vanessa holds a grudge forever. Forever!”

From "Liar & Spy" by Rebecca Stead