grime 1 of 2

noun

ˈgrīm How to pronounce grime (audio)
Definition of grimenext
as in dirt
foul matter that mars the purity or cleanliness of something this new product really cuts through grime

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

grime

2 of 2

verb

as in to stain
to make dirty countless hours of work were needed to clean the floors of the old warehouse that had been grimed from a century of use

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 grime
Noun
Several surfaces were dirty with sugar residue, grime and syrup, including a back counter, a large mixer and a toaster oven. — Sacbee.com, 21 Aug. 2026 Enter the Leather Honey Leather Cleaner, which has a fragrance-free, non-toxic formula designed to gently remove dirt, oil, stains, and grime from leather of any color. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
Over time, the sheets' fibers begin breaking down and grime such as body oils no longer washes out as well, causing the sheets to become less sanitary. — Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 15 June 2026 On Starz’s latest offering, every wall is realistically grimed, and every plaid is laid just so. — Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 22 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grime
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grime
  1. dirt
  2. stain
  3. muck
  4. dirty
  5. soil
  6. blacken
  7. filth
Noun
  • Sulfates are cleansing agents that attract oil, product buildup, and dirt.
    — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Exit the parking lot in the southeast corner and head to the Lower Beacon Trail, a wide flat dirt path parallel to the road.
    — Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of dirt
Verb
  • But even the most dependable pieces eventually become too stained, scratched, or mismatched for food storage.
    — Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Clark’s denim featured unique distressing, looking as if the denim was once white and stained with coffee.
    — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of stain
Noun
  • The deep muck provides a cap for the shallow aquifer, helping to clean and filter freshwater that supplies drinking water for Miami-Dade, Broward, Monroe and parts of Palm Beach County.
    — Jenny Staletovich, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Within seconds of the mudslide’s arrival, the six-story Gyirong Port building is completely consumed by the muck.
    — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of muck
Verb
  • Satisfy your lasagna craving without dirtying up a pile of dishes.
    — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 9 July 2026
  • The zipper shoe compartment keeps your shoes from dirtying up your clothing, and the massive interior can hold many outfits for your weekend getaway.
    — Olivia Dubyak, Travel + Leisure, 9 Mar. 2026
Definition of dirty
Noun
  • After about a month of consistently moist soil in a warm place with bright, indirect light, your chrysanthemum cutting should be rooted.
    — Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Stronger downdraft winds and loose, dry soil can impact how much dust is lifted into the air.
    — Brandi D. Addison, AZCentral.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of soil
Verb
  • Corbin uses cabbage as an anchor in his new and expanding Rolodex of flavors, thrusting it into the fire until the outer layers are blackened and frizzled.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Timber Fire Monterey County’s Timber Fire burning near Big Sur has blackened nearly 2,500 acres since its start Monday afternoon and is 5% contained.
    — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of blacken
Noun
  • How corpulent is this list of filth, vermin and bad food decisions?
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The Boulet Brothers descend on New York Comic Con to celebrate a decade of horror, filth, and glamour, and open the crypt on the show’s upcoming seventh season.
    — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of filth

Browse Nearby Words

grimacing
grime
grimed
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Cite this Entry

“Grime.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grime. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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