haunting 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of hauntingnext
as in eerie
fearfully and mysteriously strange or fantastic the haunting tones of the Highland bagpipes

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

haunting

2 of 2

verb

present participle of haunt
as in visiting
to go to or spend time in often much of her time is spent haunting antique shops in search of unique knobs for the curio cabinets she builds

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 haunting
Adjective
The exhibition’s lighting slowly reveals another haunting detail. — Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 21 July 2026 This is a moody, weird, haunting, often beautiful film, punctuated by sudden violence and horror. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Verb
That idea of sustained silence haunting relationships and basic interpersonal etiquette is also present in the key relationships of the main storyline. — Josh Slater-Williams, IndieWire, 10 Aug. 2026 In an exclusive interview with Entertainment Weekly, Garver, who starred as Cissy on the CBS sitcom from 1966-1971, reveals a haunting plea Jones’ mother made to her shortly before the actress was found dead from an apparent drug overdose in 1976. — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for haunting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for haunting
  1. eerie
  2. visiting
  3. creepy
  4. frequenting
  5. affecting
Adjective
  • Then, after a series of eerie harbingers, the Platts discover the power and water in the house have shut off in the aftermath of an intense storm, and the atmosphere outside has turned unsettling and oddly tropical.
    — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 12 Aug. 2026
  • In Greenwich Park, with views of the River Thames and central London, the sky turned an eerie gray as a sliver of light sat atop the moon like a hat.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of eerie
Verb
  • The mayor said people visiting historic Bushnell Park don’t want to look down and see a message about slip and falls.
    — Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The Rays open a four-game series against visiting Baltimore beginning Friday, while the Athletics host Texas for three games starting Friday.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of visiting
Adjective
  • There’s also a quick flash of a creepy figure wearing a fluffy rabbit mask while holding a gun and standing next to a bridge with a skull painted on it.
    — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Long nozzle Most people would prefer to keep a healthy distance from creepy crawlies.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of creepy
Verb
  • After completing his four-year stretch, Clayton-Thomas in 1962 began frequenting the music scene on the Yonge Street strip, when Arkansas rockabilly great Ronnie Hawkins gave him his first paying job in music.
    — Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2026
  • Arthur Van Wyk, who produces comedy events in Durban, began frequenting the bar some three decades ago.
    — Hannah Giorgis Yohannes, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 June 2026
Definition of frequenting
Verb
  • In a video posted on social media, Green shared that Lala brought more than 28 inches of rain in parts of the state, adversely affecting bridges, roads and schools.
    — Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The ingredients in the brine interact with the meat in different ways, affecting its flavor, color and texture while also helping keep it safe to eat.
    — Anna Dilger, The Conversation, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of affecting

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Cite this Entry

“Haunting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/haunting. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on haunting

Nglish: Translation of haunting for Spanish Speakers

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