EERIE Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'eerie' distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words uncanny and weird are common synonyms of eerie . While all three words mean "mysteriously strange or fantastic," eerie suggests an uneasy or fearful consciousness that mysterious and malign powers are at work. // an eerie calm preceded the bombing raid

Q: When is it sensible to use 'uncanny' instead of 'eerie'?

While in some cases nearly identical to eerie , uncanny implies disquieting strangeness or mysteriousness. // an uncanny resemblance between total strangers

Q: When can 'weird' be used instead of 'eerie'?

The words weird and eerie are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, weird may imply an unearthly or supernatural strangeness or it may stress peculiarity or oddness. // weird creatures from another world

eerie

adjective

ˈir-ē

variants also eery

Definition of eerie next

as in creepy

fearfully and mysteriously strange or fantastic eerie noises would occasionally come from locked rooms in the castle

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word eerie distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words uncanny and weird are common synonyms of eerie. While all three words mean "mysteriously strange or fantastic," eerie suggests an uneasy or fearful consciousness that mysterious and malign powers are at work.

an eerie calm preceded the bombing raid

When is it sensible to use uncanny instead of eerie?

While in some cases nearly identical to eerie, uncanny implies disquieting strangeness or mysteriousness.

an uncanny resemblance between total strangers

When can weird be used instead of eerie?

The words weird and eerie are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, weird may imply an unearthly or supernatural strangeness or it may stress peculiarity or oddness.

weird creatures from another world

Examples 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 eerie The Emmy-winning screenwriter and producer, who died in 1975, headed the acclaimed TV series, which aired on CBS from 1959 to 1964, as well as its many memorable, and eerie, episodes. —

Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024 Eyewitness reports, social media videos and officials confirm the drones are up to 6 feet in diameter, can quickly go from emitting eerie lights to no light at all and often avoid detection. —

Sophia Pargas, NBC News, 12 Dec. 2024 That was spooky: The fog on Capitol Hill yesterday was so eerie. —

Cate Martel, The Hill, 11 Dec. 2024 Emma Corrin’s looks are slightly eerie but in a way that feels modern and chic. —

Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 10 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for eerie

Recent Examples of Synonyms for eerie

Adjective

No matter the quality of what exists of the film today, piercing through the celluloid is the indelible creepy image of Schreck and his slender 6-foot 3-inch frame as Orlok.

Tim Lammers, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
Finally, weirdest statue: It wasn't built in 2024, but the Harry Caray statue at Waveland and Sheffield still reigns supreme as the creepiest memorial in town.

Justin Kaufmann, Axios, 23 Dec. 2024