as in elves
an imaginary being usually having a small human form and magical powers
in Europe, gnomes are thought to guard underground treasure, so that may be why statues of them are commonly placed in gardens
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gnomes
The stop-motion Harrison has friendly interactions with gnomes, a Venus flytrap, a distinguished-looking oak tree, and even a sentient being who lives in a cave.
—
Devon Ivie, Vulture, 16 Dec. 2025
Later German statues of gnomes and famous fairytale characters were stationed at points along the trail.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 8 Nov. 2025
Our love of gnomes is no secret, and a set of ten might just be enough for a holiday fix.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2025
There's also the light fixtures decorated with gnomes, plaster figurines of knights and other medieval figures, and wrought iron decorations created by Cyril Colnik − whose work also can be seen at Milwaukee's Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum.
—Tom Daykin, jsonline.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Linda-Marie Barrett is a writer, editor, and steward of a whimsical garden guarded by gnomes.
—Linda-Marie Barrett
september 10, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2025
Devon Ivie, Vulture, 16 Dec. 2025
Later German statues of gnomes and famous fairytale characters were stationed at points along the trail.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 8 Nov. 2025
Our love of gnomes is no secret, and a set of ten might just be enough for a holiday fix.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2025
There's also the light fixtures decorated with gnomes, plaster figurines of knights and other medieval figures, and wrought iron decorations created by Cyril Colnik − whose work also can be seen at Milwaukee's Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum.
—Tom Daykin, jsonline.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Linda-Marie Barrett is a writer, editor, and steward of a whimsical garden guarded by gnomes.
—Linda-Marie Barrett
september 10, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gnomes
Noun
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Overworked, overtired, snapping at elves — frankly, ‘twas a disaster.—
Lauren Ashley Bishop,
Variety,
4 Jan. 2026
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Last December, Yvette Olazar, a 33-year-old mom of three, had a hunch that her daughter Natalie, who was in 6th grade, had stopped believing in magical elves and Christmas miracles.—
Kayla Grant,
PEOPLE,
26 Dec. 2025
Noun
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Plans include music, magic shows, face painting, stilt walkers, fairies, robots, a giant LED screen showing the ball drop from Times Square and more.—
Marla Jo Fisher,
Oc Register,
29 Dec. 2025
-
If your favorite writer wishes they could be whisked away to the land of fairies and Björk and neighborhood hot springs, try cutting a large international corner with this bath product straight from the famous Blue Lagoon.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Dec. 2025
Noun
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Henson was cast as Hoggle, one of the film’s most prominent goblins and Sarah’s reluctant ally, while also managing puppeteering responsibilities behind the scenes.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
10 Jan. 2026
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The kallikantzaroi are a group of blind, black goblins who live underground during most of the year sawing at the world tree – a motif throughout various folklores that connects the heavens to the Earth.—
Carlie Procell,
USA Today,
20 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
By 1938, the troupe of dwarves had begun to spend its winters in South Florida.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
25 Dec. 2025
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As kobolds go, Heinzelmann was more harmless than most, going about his business protecting the castle from giants and dwarves and keeping the staff updated on faerie gossip, as well as protecting the chambermaids from unwelcome attentions from visiting noblemen.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gnomes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gnomes. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.
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