1. very strange or ugly in a way that is unnatural or disturbing
2. so unreasonable or inappropriate as to be shocking

1. a very ugly or strangely shaped person or thing
2. a style of decorative art featuring fantastic human and animal forms
Usage: art history

Examples

• The old mansion was filled with grotesque gargoyle sculptures.
• His face was twisted into a grotesque expression of pain.
• The politician’s grotesque abuse of power shocked the nation.
• It would be grotesque to spend millions on luxury while people starve.
• The carnival featured a gallery of painted grotesques.
• Renaissance artists often incorporated grotesque designs into their frescoes.
• The horror movie’s grotesque monsters terrified audiences.