gremlins

plural of gremlin
as in fairies
an imaginary being usually having a small human form and magical powers during the World Wars, fighter pilots adopted the fanciful notion that gremlins were responsible for mechanical failures on their planes

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 gremlins The colorful gremlins were often paired with bag charms, Trendalytics said saw 247 percent growth year-over-year. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 15 Aug. 2025 The popularity of the petite gremlins has spawned fakes. Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 11 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gremlins
Noun
  • Various cultures interpreted the ephemeral aberrations as fairies, ghosts or spirits.
    Rachel Nuwer, Scientific American, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The lottery fairies have given you more time.
    Enquirer staff, Cincinnati Enquirer, 18 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • And all these dwarves and elves and humans go, ‘What?
    Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The special will be made available on Disney+ the following day, and the elves will head to ABC’s shelves later in the season.
    Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Some say the cave system would have connected the goblins from Hopkinsville to Hellier.
    Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 18 Sep. 2025
  • This simple act of kindness helps spread the Halloween spirit to all the little goblins and ghosts.
    Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Gremlins.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gremlins. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

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