1
as in spy
a person who tries secretly to obtain information for one country in the territory of another usually unfriendly country
Russia recalled its spooks after the collapse of the Soviet Union
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in ghost
the soul of a dead person thought of especially as appearing to living people
Halloween is the night when spooks and goblins are said to roam abroad
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in to frighten
to strike with fear
the sudden noise spooked her out of her skin
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of spook
Michael Salerno, The Arizona Republic, 15 Oct. 2024
In its second season, The Old Man is less a show about old spies getting their spook on and more about those old spies realizing the personal impact of their imperialist shenanigans.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 27 Sep. 2024
Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2025
The automakers' liability ballooned — and spooked Wall Street investors, Masters said.
—Jackie Charniga, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spook
Noun
Outside of Phoenix, Western theme park Old Tucson is delivering spooks with its Nightfall at Old Tucson event that includes haunted mazes, roaming scares and magic shows.
—Michael Salerno, The Arizona Republic, 15 Oct. 2024
In its second season, The Old Man is less a show about old spies getting their spook on and more about those old spies realizing the personal impact of their imperialist shenanigans.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 27 Sep. 2024
Verb
Of course, right at that moment, Blaze’s family shows up — his real name is Bingo, and he’s been missing since he got spooked by some fireworks.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2025
The automakers' liability ballooned — and spooked Wall Street investors, Masters said.
—Jackie Charniga, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spook
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spook
Noun
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Matt Damon originated the role of the spy who suffers from psychogenic amnesia and is forced to unlock his connection to the CIA.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
20 Mar. 2025
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The supporting cast includes Denise Richards, Chris Kattan, and the ever-fabulous Aunjanue Ellis, as Sistah Girl, the most efficient spy in the B.R.O.T.H.E.R.H.O.O.D.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
TIME,
19 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Some brands are diligent about paying fairly and on time, while others entirely ghost after the work is done or almost offensive offer rates.—
Kristen Bousquet,
Forbes,
20 Mar. 2025
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Kinnell’s ensuing lines about his meal with the long-dead poet John Keats make a compelling case for conversations with ghosts.—
The New York Times News Service Syndicate,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Seeing those kinds of numbers in headlines may have started to frighten U.S. consumers, data shows.—
Meghan Hall,
Sourcing Journal,
4 Mar. 2025
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While full autonomy may frighten many, most drivers do still want automakers to focus on safety tech.—
John Koetsier,
Forbes,
25 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Elements of her can be found on Lioness in Zoe Saldaña’s Joe McNamara, a CIA operative trying to save the world from the swarthy — terrorists in Season One, Mexican cartels in Season Two — while raising two girls.—
Stephen Rodrick,
Rolling Stone,
9 Mar. 2025
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Weighing just 157g, the headset is light enough for call center operatives to wear it for a full eight-hour working day.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
Noun
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In the writer-director’s latest horror flick, The Monkey, there is no malignant apparition, and death doesn’t lurk or stalk.—
Madison Bloom,
Pitchfork,
7 Feb. 2025
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Zoe, as an apparition, is both the cause and relief to her pain.—
Jake Coyle,
Boston Herald,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Higher prices and looming economic uncertainty could scare off consumers, experts previously told ABC News.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
14 Mar. 2025
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Mozer yelled out of his apartment window, scaring Moseley off.—
Jessica Sager,
People.com,
13 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The past few weeks have felt like a Cold War thriller in which an enemy agent somehow infiltrates the top of the United States government.—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
12 Mar. 2025
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Challenges & Considerations Adopting AI agents for data solutions comes with important challenges that businesses must address: Security Risks: Granting AI agents broad access to data systems introduces new security vulnerabilities.—
Suri Nuthalapati,
Forbes,
12 Mar. 2025
Noun
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As such, the doc is also a declaration of love for the Ukrainian people, their spirit, and their resilience.—
Georg Szalai,
The Hollywood Reporter,
22 Mar. 2025
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With its carnival atmosphere and legendary party spirit, the three-day event joins other Asian showpieces such as the Singapore Grand Prix and Australian Open in drawing tourists and business travelers alike.—
Andrew McNicol,
CNN,
22 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spook.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spook. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
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