gnarliest
Most twisted, knotted
Gnarliest is the superlative of gnarly.
In its original sense, it describes the most twisted, knotted, or gnarled: the gnarliest oak in the forest.
In surfer and skater slang, gnarliest means the most extreme, intense, or impressive: That was the gnarliest wave I've ever seen.
The slang sense can be positive or negative depending on context—the gnarliest stunt might be awesome; the gnarliest wipeout, painful.
Wound around itself
- knottedTied with loops
- weatheredEroded by exposure
- roughUneven in surface
- craggyRough with rocky projections
jagged · rugged · contorted · tangled · burly · knobby · scarred · battered
Requiring much effort
- arduousDemanding strenuous effort
- demandingRequiring great effort
- formidableInspiring fear or respect
- strenuousRequiring intense exertion
grueling · rigorous · tough · taxing · daunting · punishing · brutal · intense
Extreme in degree
- death-defyingRisking life boldly
- thrill-seekingPursuing excitement through risk
- daredevilReckless risk-taker
- high-riskInvolving significant danger
jaw-dropping · breathtaking · spectacular · heart-stopping · white-knuckle · hair-raising · audacious · insane
twisted
Wound around itself
craggy · jagged · rugged · contorted · tangled · burly · knobby · scarred · battered · worn
difficult
Requiring much effort
- arduousDemanding strenuous effort
- demandingRequiring great effort
- formidableInspiring fear or respect
strenuous · grueling · rigorous · tough · taxing · daunting · punishing · brutal · intense · complicated
intense
Extreme in degree
- death-defyingRisking life boldly
- thrill-seekingPursuing excitement through risk
- daredevilReckless risk-taker
high-risk · jaw-dropping · breathtaking · spectacular · heart-stopping · white-knuckle · hair-raising · audacious · insane · hardcore
awesome
Extremely impressive or overwhelming
dope · killer · wicked · insane · crazy · wild · badass · savage · beast · brutal
wave
Oscillating motion through medium
- barrelHooped cylindrical vessel
- tubeHollow cylindrical passage
- pipelineLong-distance fluid transport tube
wipeout · swell · break · reef · carve · shred · drop · face · lip · curl