English UsageComparison guide
Grisly vs. Grizzly
“Grisly” means gruesome or horrifying, while “grizzly” is most familiar in the name “grizzly bear.” Because the words sound very similar, they are often confused even though their everyday meanings are distinct.
Write “grisly” for a horrifying scene or detail; write “grizzly” for the bear.
Key details
Grisly Corehorrifying, gruesome, or unpleasant, especially in connection with injury or death
Grizzly Coremost commonly connected with the grizzly bear
Termsgrisly, grizzly
Further guidance
Core difference
Use “grisly” for something gruesome or horrifying. Use “grizzly” when referring to the bear or the adjective derived from that name.
Fast Test
A “grisly scene” is horrifying; a “grizzly bear” is the animal.
Spelling Note
The words sound similar, so meaning rather than pronunciation must guide the spelling.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Grisly — English meaning (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Meaning of grisly as gruesome or horrifying
- Grizzly — English meaning (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Meaning of grizzly, especially the grizzly bear