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

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 eerie Tekashi 6ix9ine allegedly received an eerie gift in the mail connected to King Von. —

Marc Griffin, VIBE.com, 14 Feb. 2025 One eerie night, Shauna saw the group feasting on her child. —

Michaela Zee, Variety, 13 Feb. 2025 Yet now, an eerie silence has begun descending over California farming. —

Tom Philp, The Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2025 According to Variety, the studio previously used AI to create the opening sequence for Secret Invasion, which featured eerie, distorted cityscapes and warped figures. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for eerie

Recent Examples of Synonyms for eerie

Adjective

She's abruptly fired from her exercise show when her creepy boss (Dennis Quaid) decides to hunt for younger talent to be the face of the series.

— Rachel Flynn, People.com, 16 Feb. 2025
And the relatives are creepy, even by Mayfair standards.

— Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2025