as in gruesome
informal
causing great mental or emotional pain
gut-wrenching decisions the novel's gut-wrenching opening scene
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gut-wrenching
Before Denzel’s commanding presence or Viola’s gut-wrenching monologues, there was Sam Lucas, the first Black actor to play Uncle Tom in a 1914 silent film.
—
Essence, 9 Apr. 2025
This gut-wrenching loss came two nights after the Cougars fashioned a wild comeback of their own, from 14 down against Duke.
—Eddie Pells, Baltimore Sun, 7 Apr. 2025
Just as gut-wrenching for Newcastle was the 98th-minute concession at Anfield in August 2022.
—Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
Particularly gut-wrenching is seeing the family grave plots now surrounded by nothing but burned trees.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 26 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gut-wrenching
Essence, 9 Apr. 2025
This gut-wrenching loss came two nights after the Cougars fashioned a wild comeback of their own, from 14 down against Duke.
—Eddie Pells, Baltimore Sun, 7 Apr. 2025
Just as gut-wrenching for Newcastle was the 98th-minute concession at Anfield in August 2022.
—Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
Particularly gut-wrenching is seeing the family grave plots now surrounded by nothing but burned trees.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 26 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gut-wrenching
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gut-wrenching
Adjective
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Surely Yellowstone, with its large predators and geothermal activity will deliver something gruesome.—
Wes Siler,
Outside Online,
19 Apr. 2025
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Realizing that the price of Remmick's offer is their souls, the living make a desperate last stand that results in the gruesome deaths of everyone but Smoke and Sammie.—
Megan McCluskey,
Time,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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These types of horrific events by terrorists are why those of us who work for peace and stability in the world continue our mission.—
Danielle Wallace,
FOXNews.com,
22 Apr. 2025
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Of course, some eight hundred thousand did die—many in horrific ways—while the formerly enslaved were left to fend for themselves in a postwar state where apartheid was enforced by terror.—
Adam Gopnik,
New Yorker,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Gustavsson was terrific, stopping 23 of 25 shots to give the Wild a chance.—
Joe Smith,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2025
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Catcher Landon Hodge is terrific defensively and first baseman Josh Stonehouse has supplied surprising power.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Then, in 1903, news broke of a shocking massacre in the town of Kishinev, in the southwestern reaches of the Russian Empire.—
Kathryn Schulz,
New Yorker,
28 Apr. 2025
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In a shocking twist that nobody would've believed a week ago, the Browns spent their final pick, in the fifth round, on Shedeur Sanders.—
Bryce Lazenby,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The teaser trailer showcases the epic highs and lows of professional football, with a focus on the lows, as all of this looks terrifying.—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
18 Apr. 2025
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The teaser does feature a glimpse at Calypso, the man who hosts the tournament, as well as a signature laugh from Sweet Tooth the terrifying clown.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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There will be elections in Hungary next year, and Orbán, for the first time in decades, is facing a formidable challenger.—
Andrew Marantz,
New Yorker,
28 Apr. 2025
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Mike has fostered a collaborative environment with a team committed to building a formidable global business – innovating and trailblazing at every level.—
Billboard Staff,
Billboard,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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After the frightening threat, the man suddenly ran off in an unknown direction.—
Roni Jacobson,
New York Daily News,
25 Apr. 2025
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Serena Joy Waterford is among the most frightening, dead-hearted women ever written for the small screen.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Public interest in the film intensified after a stroke of terrible happenstance.—
Jelani Cobb,
New Yorker,
28 Apr. 2025
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United have fallen massively and it’s been a terrible watch all season, bar a couple of highs.—
Andy Mitten,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gut-wrenching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gut-wrenching. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
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