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 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 The ghoulish gathering is intended for attendees 17 and older. — Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2026 Horror hounds might get annoyed at how James is methodical in detailing the various factors influencing Hana to take ghoulish acts and even start making ash out of an obese corpse that her class is studying. — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 21 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for ghoulish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ghoulish

Adjective

But as his novel goes on, nighttime scenes and vivid memories are replaced by exchanges of purely expository dialogue, which seeks to explain to the reader, point by point, the book’s ghostly developments.

— Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026
The rapper, who has the small role of a bard in Nolan’s cinematic retelling of the Greek epic poem, weaves together Homer’s prose with modern lyricism on the ghostly track that alludes to Odysseus’ long journey.

— Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 17 July 2026

Definition of ghostly

Adjective

As this unfolds, La’An attempts to work the ship’s computer but only finds more footage of Harper, who then shows up in person in desiccated, spectral form before disappearing.

— Keith Phipps, Vulture, 30 July 2026
Scientists can pore over these spectral fingerprints to reconstruct what elements created them and in what quantities.

— Rahul Rao, Space.com, 23 July 2026

Definition of spectral

Adjective

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
Wilder’s work has since faced criticism for depicting some ghastly attitudes toward Native Americans.

— Judy Berman, Time, 9 July 2026

Definition of ghastly

Adjective

Seeing an old bulky PC with a PC-DOS command line OS takes those of us of a certain age back to the heady days when computers were exciting and new, even though they had not yet been endowed with the eerie cognitive powers of LLMs.

— John Werner, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
The ascent to Les Angles was eerie and airy, Pogačar outkicking Vingegaard to take yellow and his first of five stages in this edition.

— Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 28 July 2026

Definition of eerie

Adjective

Their voyage transforms into a haunting meditation on exile, longing and the elusive promise of belonging.

— Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 30 July 2026
Despite lingering radiation, Pripyat draws photographers and history enthusiasts eager to witness one of the most complete—and haunting—portraits of a city abruptly frozen.

— Kieron Marchese, Architectural Digest, 27 July 2026

Definition of haunting

Adjective

Men are supposed to pay for dinner but also treat women as equals; to initiate flirty banter but never be creepy or aggressive; to be sturdy and masculine but also empathetic and thoughtful.

— Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 3 Aug. 2026
Or maybe his creepy siblings are in the building also and soon Negan will be in the most terrifying encounter of his life.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

Definition of creepy

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 4 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of ghoulish

adjective

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