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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The theft follows a similar incident in December, when members of the same group flooded into a Montreal grocery store dressed as Santa Clause and his elves, stealing food and leaving some of it gift-wrapped under a nearby Christmas tree.—
Max Saltman,
CNN Money,
4 Feb. 2026
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One of Magnason’s first jobs was at the National Archives of Iceland, where he was surrounded by books about the old Norse gods, colonial histories, and even stories about elves.—
Marya E. Gates,
IndieWire,
27 Jan. 2026
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
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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
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The ditch that’s up to 19 feet deep dwarfs the heavy machinery inside of it.—
Eleanor Nash,
Kansas City Star,
26 Jan. 2026
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Plus Brock and Sindri, the gear upgrade dwarves.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gnomes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gnomes. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
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