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 Don’t let fear of your inner gremlins stop you from self-work to uplevel your life. — Tribune Content Agency, Baltimore Sun, 23 Jan. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for gremlin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gremlin
  1. fairy
  2. elf
  3. goblin
  4. dwarf
Noun
  • The farm is also holding a Fairy Festival on July 18 and 19 featuring scavenger hunts, fairy stories and other activities in addition to the usual hayrides, petting farm and pony rides.
    — Janet Kusterer, Baltimore Sun, 10 July 2026
  • Halloween fairy garden mini house decor to tuck into your outdoor garden for a low-effort, high-charm accent.
    — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 July 2026
Definition of fairy
Noun
  • Reading allows children to live in a vibrant world, surrounded by fairies, elves and talking animals, transporting them to places where the impossible becomes real.
    — Michelle Kearney, The Conversation, 7 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of elf
Noun
  • Two years ago, the Man City phenom appeared in a 90-second spot for the game that saw him get recruited to storm a castle teeming with goblins, dragons and impish skeletons.
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 26 June 2026
  • Follow the babe with the power into Jim Henson’s gloriously weird fantasy wonderland, where goblins sing, doors argue, and David Bowie’s Goblin King serves enough glam-rock charisma to power an entire kingdom.
    — Arushi Jacob, Variety, 24 June 2026
Definition of goblin
Noun
  • And the question is whether the planets even have atmospheres, because M dwarfs are quite active.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 9 July 2026
  • Fell also recommends using tall plants for support, including okra or sweet corn; dwarf varieties of corn are known to do well in containers.
    — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 8 July 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 16 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of gremlin for Spanish Speakers

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