GHOULISH Synonyms: 54 Similar and Opposite Words

ghoulish

adjective

Definition of ghoulish

as in ghostly

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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 ghoulish The Ghastly Grotto started its life as a simple CostCo shed, but Mitchell has since turned it into a full-scale tiki bar, with niches and grottos packed with art, figurines and other bric-a-brac, all with a ghoulish bent. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 18 July 2026 But my deepest, most ghoulish questions, no investigation could answer. — Literary Hub, 10 June 2026 The fear and horror is handled dramatically without becoming grisly or ghoulish. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 2 June 2026 Concept art for Madame Leota’s Swinging Wake shows the street party will include familiar Haunted Mansion characters like the cemetery caretaker, grave diggers, ballroom dancers and a few ghoulish ghosts. — Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for ghoulish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ghoulish

Adjective

Despite gazing at the ghostly presence in full, Bela’s parents don’t seem all that spooked, even when the young girl is tossed around like a rag doll during an anniversary gathering at their home.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
This ghostly nature to phase through matter arises from the fact that neutrinos are completely chargeless, virtually massless, and race through the cosmos at near the speed of light, unimpeded.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of ghostly

Adjective

Swift appears as a spectral figure trying to warn Johnson that, based on her own experience, her rich husband has more sinister intentions than his current bride imagines.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 4 Oct. 2026
The spectral are getting louder, more insistent, more prevalent, and our literature, our cinema, reflect this.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of spectral

Adjective

The results in Game 1 were ghastly, reminding fans of the infinibuild Oilers who could not and would not play defence.

— Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026
Does the movie go too easy on the man who eventually gave us Fox News and decades of ghastly politics?

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of ghastly

Adjective

Its best parts have a grandeur that surpasses its industrial settings and gets at something eerie and transcendent.

— Alison Willmore, Vulture, 7 Oct. 2026
As Bijan Robinson raced down the sideline and the rest of his Falcons teammates sprinted in pursuit, a mixture of an eerie hush and a stunned buzz fell over Caesars Superdome from a crowd still not entirely settled in its seats.

— Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of eerie

Adjective

The dramatic lighting and wax museums are just spooky enough to summon the spirit of the witch trials without being off-putting for children.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Oct. 2026
The Haunting at The Ridge has become spookier in its third year with more actors and a live stage show with the Cabaret Sinister.

— Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of spooky

Adjective

The film’s musical score, by Damon Albarn of Blur, has a haunting Bowie-like party-on-the-abyss shimmer.

— Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 6 Oct. 2026
John, especially, after the publication of his second book of nonsense verse and stories, had finally cottoned onto the idea of putting some of his literary impulses to good use in song, resulting in some of his most haunting Beatles-era tracks.

— Darryn King, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of haunting

Browse Nearby Words

ghoulies

ghoulish

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“Ghoulish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ghoulish. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of ghoulish

adjective

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