1
as in filthy
not clean
after playing outside, the kids came in grungy and in need of a good bath
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dilapidated
showing signs of advanced wear and tear and neglect
even though this grungy sweatshirt is falling apart, it's still my favorite
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of grungy
When filmmakers have tried to skew slightly earthier, as in Jacques Rivette’s 1985 version, the result is a sort of grungy take on traditional Gothic tropes.
—
David Fear, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2026
The first 10 minutes of the film are set in Norms, where a grungy man staggers in with a bomb, ranting about artificial intelligence.
—Fielding Buck, Daily News, 10 Feb. 2026
But also because the grungy wash was new territory for Clooney.
—Eva Thomas, InStyle, 10 Feb. 2026
But over time, pods get grungy and moldy just like your coffee pot does.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for grungy
David Fear, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2026
The first 10 minutes of the film are set in Norms, where a grungy man staggers in with a bomb, ranting about artificial intelligence.
—Fielding Buck, Daily News, 10 Feb. 2026
But also because the grungy wash was new territory for Clooney.
—Eva Thomas, InStyle, 10 Feb. 2026
But over time, pods get grungy and moldy just like your coffee pot does.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for grungy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grungy
Adjective
-
On January 7, Saman wrote me that two of her Afghan neighbors had just been arrested and sent to a deportation camp that was rumored to be filthy, cold, and overcrowded.—
George Packer,
The Atlantic,
24 Mar. 2026
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The filmmaker shows a strong handle over the film’s fanciful tone and fitfully filthy sense of humor, and he’s credited with composing the film’s score full of squawking brass instruments and skittish strings in addition to writing, directing and editing.—
Stephen Saito,
Variety,
16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Ross saved the Miami Open, moving it from a dilapidated Key Biscayne venue, and retrofitting Hard Rock Stadium’s grounds for it.—
Omar Kelly,
Miami Herald,
24 Mar. 2026
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But these Brown and Black immigrants were usually segregated into dilapidated apartments in the region’s oldest housing stock.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Its dusty surface contains minerals, but not the organic nutrients plants need to grow.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Mar. 2026
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On a hot, dry March day, the dusty festival grounds — a movie set where Nelson filmed 1984’s Red Headed Stranger — took on the grit and hue of a classic Western.—
Josh Crutchmer,
Rolling Stone,
20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
When first performed at L.A. Opera a decade ago, the lavish production, co-produced with English National Opera, helped recover a neglected opera.—
Classical Music Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
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His refusal to weaponize suffering is one of his most important — and most neglected— lessons.—
Ed Gaskin,
Boston Herald,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The land, unfenced, abuts a bald blackened hillside that must be public land.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Aug. 2025
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In its time open, fueled by fans of its blackened mahi and buttery lobster rolls, owner Mike Smith has expanded his footprint, moving into a larger stall in the popular food hall — which has allowed for a menu expansion, as well.—
Amy Drew Thompson,
Orlando Sentinel,
6 Dec. 2022
Adjective
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Investigators described a foul-smelling place with bags and bottles of fetuses and jars of body parts, along with bloodstained furniture and dirty medical instruments.—
Greg Norman-Diamond,
FOXNews.com,
24 Mar. 2026
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Flaky salmon, soft and creamy potatoes, and rosy radishes roast on the same baking sheet for a company-worthy dinner that won’t fill the sink with dirty dishes.—
Jesse Szewczyk,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Firefighters made a hole with an axe just above the entrance to let the thick black smoke flow out and to avoid breaking the eight stained glass windows along the sides of the structure.—
Martin E. Comas,
The Orlando Sentinel,
21 Mar. 2026
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Think soft yellow hues, floral motifs, and colorful stained glass.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Also, prepare to navigate 27 miles of bumpy, at times muddy dirt roads to the trailhead.—
Madison Chapman,
Outside,
25 Mar. 2026
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Agents trekked through muddy terrain in the dark and eventually found Medina curled up in a ball next to a tree.—
Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
24 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Grungy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grungy. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.
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