ghoul

noun

ˈgül How to pronounce ghoul (audio)
Definition of ghoulnext
as in demon
an evil spirit in Arabic folklore, ghouls could change their shapes but had one unchanging feature: donkey's hooves for feet

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 ghoul Ledger ingeniously plays the Joker as a chaotic force of nature, a scarred and unknowable ghoul clad in clown paint and a garish suit from Demon's Wearhouse. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 4 Mar. 2026 As boss-man turns into a cantering, slavering, apparently all-over treble-jointed ghoul, Young-cheol announces that his own living blood contains the only antidote. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 29 May 2026 Jittery housemaid Miss Lamb (Thomasin McKenzie) proves less trouble to manage, as Fred scares the wits out of her with bogus talk of a ghoul wandering the Moors. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2026 Created by a number of its stars, Ghosts originated on the BBC in 2019, following a group of ghouls from different historical periods haunting a country house while sharing the house with its new living occupants. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ghoul
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ghoul
  1. demon
  2. ghost
  3. vampire
  4. devil
Noun
  • Wynonna, with help from her younger sister, the town’s sheriff and an infamous Wild West gunslinger, must save her hometown from demons and other supernatural creatures.
    — Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
  • In the film, Tanjiro, Nezuko and the Hashira are drawn into the Infinity Castle, where the Demon Slayer Corps must confront the terrifying Upper Rank demons.
    — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of demon
Noun
  • The same applies to the Lake of Tears, which seemed really important when Jim’s ghost showed up to tell Ethan to find it.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • The English have to contend with not only the ghost of Maradona’s two goals, but also the altitude in Mexico City, which is about 7,350 feet above sea level.
    — Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of ghost
Noun
  • In their respective grief, mommy issues, daughter issues, and, in the case of Armand and Daniel, daddy issues, our vampires are giving each other a run for their money over who is the most beautiful, most unwell.
    — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 29 June 2026
  • Taylor-Johnson starred as Friedrich Harding, a skeptic set in his belief that vampires don’t exist.
    — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 29 June 2026
Definition of vampire
Noun
  • Also called devil's snare, the plant's seeds, roots, stems, and leaves are all dangerous if ingested.
    — Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 22 June 2026
  • Beloved baby brother, American [WWII bronze star veteran], husband, father of 4 strong women, [grandpa], adorable scamp, handsome devil, and trickster to the end.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 21 June 2026
Definition of devil

Browse Nearby Words

ghosty
ghoul
ghoulie
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ghoul.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ghoul. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ghoul

Nglish: Translation of ghoul for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ghoul

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