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Antonyms for grotesque

Grammar : Adj
Spell : groh-tesk
Phonetic Transcription : groʊˈtɛsk


Definition of grotesque

Origin :
  • c.1600s, originally a noun (1560s), from Middle French crotesque (16c., Modern French grotesque), from Italian grottesco, literally "of a cave," from grotta (see grotto). The usual explanation is that the word first was used of paintings found on the walls of basements of Roman ruins (Italian pittura grottesca), which OED finds "intrinsically plausible." Originally "fanciful, fantastic," sense became pejorative after mid-18c. Related: Grotesquely; grotesqueness.
  • adj ugly, misshapen
Example sentences :
  • The outrage on the Warden was not so grotesque, but the effect was the same.
  • Extract from : « The Underdog » by F. Hopkinson Smith
  • It has a pompous Latin name, but it is incurably Gothic and grotesque.
  • Extract from : « Alarms and Discursions » by G. K. Chesterton
  • But this grotesque sentiment did not pass current even in the smoking-room.
  • Extract from : « In a Steamer Chair and Other Stories » by Robert Barr
  • Who and what were the persons of whom the preacher gave this grotesque account?
  • Extract from : « A Writer's Recollections (In Two Volumes), Volume I » by Mrs. Humphry Ward
  • And all waited on what the grotesque, bloated figure they watched might reveal.
  • Extract from : « The Bluff of the Hawk » by Anthony Gilmore
  • He could scarcely chide her for borrowing, grotesque as the borrowing was.
  • Extract from : « Cleo The Magnificent » by Louis Zangwill
  • The fallen masses lay heaped at its foot, grotesque yet solemn.
  • Extract from : « Cleo The Magnificent » by Louis Zangwill
  • It's hideous, it's lamentable and grotesque; you'll end by seeing so yourself.
  • Extract from : « His Masterpiece » by Emile Zola
  • The moonlight had revealed the grotesque features of Joe Nelson!
  • Extract from : « The Night Riders » by Ridgwell Cullum
  • What but ruin and disaster could be the end of this grotesque pretension?
  • Extract from : « Captain Blood » by Rafael Sabatini

Synonyms for grotesque

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019