gremlin

noun

ˈgrem-lən How to pronounce gremlin (audio)
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 The rental gremlin is the structure of the rules, in effect in varying forms since World War II. — Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026 Rather, those little, unseen gremlins just proliferate in silence. — Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 24 June 2026 In recent weeks, social media users, especially on X, have been noticing increasing references to goblins, along with other fantasy creatures such as gremlins, ogres and trolls in ChatGPT’s answers to user queries. — Rob Wile, NBC news, 30 Apr. 2026 My current gremlin is that the mic on my Logitech Brio webcam doesn’t always transmit sound. — Nathan Edwards, The Verge, 26 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gremlin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gremlin
  1. fairy
  2. elf
  3. goblin
  4. dwarf
Noun
  • For the longest time, there was this pretty, ethereal sound, as if a fairy were about to appear before me, but the fairy never appeared.
    — Souvankham Thammavongsa, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Traditional string lights offer a familiar, eye-catching glow, while fairy lights create a delicate sparkle that lets your ornaments take center stage.
    — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of fairy
Noun
  • After posing as the rogue Halbrand in season 1, Sauron returns in season 2 disguised as the elf Annatar.
    — Allison DeGrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Oct. 2026
  • And many, perhaps understandably, choose to escape into romances involving elves and hockey players.
    — Julia Vitale, airmail.news, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of elf
Noun
  • The concept had the goblin going out to a bar, hoping to charm the princess.
    — Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
  • From glittering ghosts, ghastly goblins and wicked witches to wily warlocks, fashion can inspire any Halloween transformation.
    — Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of goblin
Noun
  • While most citrus trees are too large for indoor growing, there are a few small or dwarf varieties of citrus that can be kept indoors year-round in pots.
    — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 16 Oct. 2026
  • These explosions, known as hypernovas, were first proposed to explain unusual stars in the halo of our galaxy, the Milky Way, and in a neighboring dwarf galaxy.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of dwarf

Browse Nearby Words

gregariousness
gremlin
gremlins
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Cite this Entry

“Gremlin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gremlin. Accessed 5 Nov. 2026.

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