as in fairy
an imaginary being usually having a small human form and magical powers
during the World Wars, fighter pilots adopted the fanciful notion that gremlins were responsible for mechanical failures on their planes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 gremlin
With the ability to duplicate and turn into the titular monstrous creatures, the gremlins begin terrorizing Billy’s small town.
—
Glenn Garner, Deadline, 30 July 2025
As mechanized as a race — or a movie — can feel, success or failure hinge on the human element, the hero battling the gremlins in the machine.
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025
If there are a number of cautions on Sunday, don’t be surprised if some teams begin to fight mechanical gremlins.
—Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 14 June 2025
The good news is, the inner critic, like a gremlin, is tameable.
—Sohee Jun, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for gremlin
Glenn Garner, Deadline, 30 July 2025
As mechanized as a race — or a movie — can feel, success or failure hinge on the human element, the hero battling the gremlins in the machine.
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025
If there are a number of cautions on Sunday, don’t be surprised if some teams begin to fight mechanical gremlins.
—Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 14 June 2025
The good news is, the inner critic, like a gremlin, is tameable.
—Sohee Jun, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for gremlin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gremlin
Noun
-
The space, outfitted with rugs, colorful beanbags, fairy lights, books and sensory activities, is open to all students during recess and used for counseling groups and one-on-one sessions during the day.—
Hanna Kang,
Oc Register,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Pair the duo with fairy lights, a thin linen runner, and more faux foliage to create a stunning seasonal scene.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The box covers the most popular classes and ancestries such as humans, elves, dwarves and halflings.—
Rob Wieland,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Four years later, the mischievous elf with pointy ears and a toothy grin made its leap to collectible toy thanks to China’s Pop Mart.—
Renan Botelho,
Footwear News,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
This simple act of kindness helps spread the Halloween spirit to all the little goblins and ghosts.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Leigh Gill is set to play Griphook, after his brief appearance as another goblin, Red, in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.—
Shania Russell,
EW.com,
1 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Oxygenic photosynthesis might be just out of reach on a planet closely orbiting an M-dwarf, says Duffy.—
Bruce Dorminey,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
-
In the winter, the dwarf conifers will be the star of the show.—
Bebe Hodges,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gremlin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gremlin. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share