GHOULISH Synonyms: 54 Similar and Opposite Words

ghoulish

adjective

Definition of ghoulish

as in ghostly

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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

From ghostly needlepoint pillows to pumpkin patch candles, cozy throw blankets, outdoor decor, coffee mugs, serving bowls, and more, these Halloween picks are perfect for welcoming the new season in style.

— Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 2 Oct. 2026
The large works seem to be on the verge of becoming ghostly, bleached by the same relentless Florida sunlight that makes Miami Beach so visually seductive.

— Erin Parish, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of ghostly

Adjective

The spectral are getting louder, more insistent, more prevalent, and our literature, our cinema, reflect this.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
The stairwell of the North Tower, or the five charred, spectral stories still standing, was being targeted for potential recoveries, and for good reason.

— Peter Wilkinson, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of spectral

Adjective

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
Wilson was a ghastly 6 of 21 from the free-throw line and led all summer leaguers in turnovers despite only playing 110 minutes.

— John Hollinger, New York Times, 22 July 2026

Definition of ghastly

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 Vegetarian by Han Kang, 208 Pages This haunting novel lures readers when a woman’s sudden decision to stop eating meat triggers a destructive crisis in her family.

— Arabella Hau, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2026
The glamorous, haunting, oh-so-theatrical love story of the legendary Baron Laurence Olivier and his equally iconic first lady, Vivien Leigh, is one filled with superlatives on both sides.

— Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of haunting

Browse Nearby Words

ghoulies

ghoulish

ghoulishness

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“Ghoulish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ghoulish. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of ghoulish

adjective

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