as in sorcery
the power to control natural forces through supernatural means
in the conjuring of the souls of the dead, necromancy seemed to offer human beings a means of exerting some control over an uncertain world
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Recent Examples of necromancy
Disney has been dabbling in digital necromancy ever since Rogue One, which featured a recreation of Peter Cushing's likeness as Grand Moff Tarkin.
—
Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
Here’s Page’s step-by-step guide on how to go about medieval necromancy in a productive, yet safe, manner.
—Jonny Thomson, Big Think, 18 Dec. 2024
The end of an era Happily for sacrificial bats and young cousins all over Europe, necromancy was waning by the end of the 18th century.
—Jonny Thomson, Big Think, 18 Dec. 2024
The history of necromancy is an interesting window into our past more broadly.
—Jonny Thomson, Big Think, 18 Dec. 2024
The act was short and provided few details about what constituted witchcraft, sorcery or necromancy.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Mar. 2025
After her death, Morgan even resorted to necromancy, reviving the People’s Princess (now embodied by Elizabeth Debicki) as an apparition who soothes a disconsolate Charles (Dominic West) and makes peace with a grieving but resentful Elizabeth (Imelda Staunton).
—Inkoo Kang, The New Yorker, 14 Dec. 2023
Part of my aversion arises from my own hidebound premodern Calvinist outlook, in which death is no laughing matter and necromancy is forbidden by God (see Deuteronomy 18:9-13).
—Barton Swaim, WSJ, 26 Oct. 2023
Season 8, which arrived on BritBox last month, includes a spooky Christmas tale, a bright spin on necromancy, a game show that doesn’t go according to plan (hosted by Lee Mack) and an off-kilter love story.
—Margaret Lyons, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2023
Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
Here’s Page’s step-by-step guide on how to go about medieval necromancy in a productive, yet safe, manner.
—Jonny Thomson, Big Think, 18 Dec. 2024
The end of an era Happily for sacrificial bats and young cousins all over Europe, necromancy was waning by the end of the 18th century.
—Jonny Thomson, Big Think, 18 Dec. 2024
The history of necromancy is an interesting window into our past more broadly.
—Jonny Thomson, Big Think, 18 Dec. 2024
The act was short and provided few details about what constituted witchcraft, sorcery or necromancy.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Mar. 2025
After her death, Morgan even resorted to necromancy, reviving the People’s Princess (now embodied by Elizabeth Debicki) as an apparition who soothes a disconsolate Charles (Dominic West) and makes peace with a grieving but resentful Elizabeth (Imelda Staunton).
—Inkoo Kang, The New Yorker, 14 Dec. 2023
Part of my aversion arises from my own hidebound premodern Calvinist outlook, in which death is no laughing matter and necromancy is forbidden by God (see Deuteronomy 18:9-13).
—Barton Swaim, WSJ, 26 Oct. 2023
Season 8, which arrived on BritBox last month, includes a spooky Christmas tale, a bright spin on necromancy, a game show that doesn’t go according to plan (hosted by Lee Mack) and an off-kilter love story.
—Margaret Lyons, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for necromancy
Noun
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Both ancient and modern pieces are curated into exhibits about sorcery, motherhood, or high-fashion gowns.—
Sophie Friedman,
AFAR Media,
17 Apr. 2025
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His putting is and will always be capable of sorcery.—
Brendan Quinn,
New York Times,
14 May 2025
Noun
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Aimed at preschoolers, the series follows a young girl learning the ropes of witchcraft with the help of her magical pets and a supportive community.—
Jamie Lang,
Variety,
7 June 2025
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Created with rotoscope animation, Dog of God is set in the 17th century and focuses on a woman accused of witchcraft and how her trial uncovers the existence of a werewolf.—
Ryan Gajewski,
HollywoodReporter,
3 June 2025
Noun
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And while that year proved to be an outlier, Mangiapane has proven he can be relied upon for 14-18 goals and maybe, if some of the earlier magic reappears (and his playing time increases), something more.—
Jonas Siegel,
New York Times,
17 June 2025
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Orlando isn’t the only place in Florida to find theme park magic.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
15 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Necromancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/necromancy. Accessed 24 Jun. 2025.
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