Definition of gremlinnext
as in fairy
an imaginary being usually having a small human form and magical powers during the World Wars, fighter pilots adopted the fanciful notion that gremlins were responsible for mechanical failures on their planes

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of gremlin Don’t let fear of your inner gremlins stop you from self-work to level up your life. Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 23 Jan. 2026 Not like a law breaker; more like a gremlin. Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 17 Jan. 2026 Of course, chaos ensues when those rules are broken, unleashing a horde of mischievous, destructive gremlins on his small town. Lauryn Higgins, Parents, 22 Dec. 2025 Almost like a gremlin, the same creature that appears small and tiny then molts its skin and then becomes huge. Adam B. Vary, Variety, 10 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gremlin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gremlin
Noun
  • For something dreamier, A Midsummer Night’s Dream theme pairs flower garlands and fairy lights with pretty appetizers and edible floral cocktails.
    Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 June 2026
  • Flower garlands, fairy lights everywhere, pretty appetizers and edible floral cocktails.
    Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • Ferrell starred as Buddy in the 2003 Christmas classic, which focused on a human adopted by elves and raised as an elf in the North Pole until one day, as an adult, discovering his true identity.
    Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026
  • At the end of 2005-2006, a whole host of elves got arrested and were sent to prison.
    Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • After all, everyone's inner goblin comes out eventually.
    Charles Trepany, USA Today, 15 June 2026
  • The scientists only got a passing glimpse of the goblin shark before the lights and loud noise from the ROV's motor scared it away, Auscavitch told ABC News.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • Beyond the fruit, the dwarf golden spice pear features clusters of white spring blooms and glossy leaves that turn a striking burgundy or bronze color in the fall.
    SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 22 June 2026
  • Many get very large, so be sure to buy a dwarf variety for foundation plantings.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 20 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Gremlin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gremlin. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

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