goblin

noun

ˈgä-blən How to pronounce goblin (audio)
Definition of goblinnext
as in fairy
an imaginary being usually having a small human form and magical powers dressed up the toddlers like goblins for Halloween

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 goblin Follow the babe with the power into Jim Henson’s gloriously weird fantasy wonderland, where goblins sing, doors argue, and David Bowie’s Goblin King serves enough glam-rock charisma to power an entire kingdom. — Arushi Jacob, Variety, 24 June 2026 After all, everyone's inner goblin comes out eventually. — Charles Trepany, USA Today, 15 June 2026 The scientists only got a passing glimpse of the goblin shark before the lights and loud noise from the ROV's motor scared it away, Auscavitch told ABC News. — Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 12 June 2026 Researchers with the Minderoo-UWA Deep-Sea Research Center found video of a deep-sea goblin shark in its natural environment in 2024 in the Pacific Ocean's Tonga Trench. — Mark Osborne, CBS News, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for goblin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for goblin
  1. fairy
  2. elf
  3. dwarf
Noun
  • Saturday, utilizes 56,000 square feet of indoor space to host more than 200 vendors, sword-fighting, costume contests, live musicians, mermaids, fairies and photo ops.
    — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Their feelings change when Fran has an encounter with Silky (Nicola Coughlan of Bridgerton), an exuberant fairy, who invites her to join her for tea at the Magic Faraway Tree.
    — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of fairy
Noun
  • Elf Once again, the sphynx was crossed with another breed, this time the American Curl, to create the elf’s distinct look.
    — Pat Mueller, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Yes, there were moments of humor, such as getting magic potions around the campfire at the end of each stage by whacking helpless little elves, but most of it was played straight, to great effect.
    — Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of elf
Noun
  • When a larger galaxy pulls apart a smaller dwarf galaxy, the dwarf’s stars can stretch into a stream — a cosmic breadcrumb trail of that encounter.
    — Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Some small plants that do well in shallow water are dwarf water lilies, water forget-me-nots, water mint, and dwarf sedge varieties.
    — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of dwarf

Browse Nearby Words

goblets
goblin
goblins
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Cite this Entry

“Goblin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/goblin. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on goblin

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about goblin

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