Need another word for Ghoulish? Use these synonyms of Ghoulish from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
gruesome
ghastly
macabre
spooky
eerie
unsettling
unnerving
frightening
terrifying
horrific
repulsive
repugnant
abhorrent
disgusting
distasteful
unpalatable
gruesome
horrific
heinous
atrocious
barbaric
savage
brutal
vicious
malevolent
sinister
malignant
morbid
sadistic
cruel
heartless
ruthless
merciless
callous
inhumane
fiendish
diabolical
demonic
hellish
Meaning of Ghoulish
The primary meaning of "ghoulish" refers to something that is gruesomely or frighteningly interesting, or someone who takes pleasure in things that are gruesome or disturbing.
Definitions
- Giving a feeling of horror or disgust, especially in relation to death or injury
- * Having a morbid or unhealthy interest in things that are gruesome or disturbing
Etymology of Ghoulish
The word "ghoulish" originates from the noun "ghoul", which refers to a mythical creature that robs graves and feeds on human flesh
The term "ghoul" is derived from Arabic "ghūl", meaning demon or evil spirit
The word "ghoulish" has been used in English since the mid-19th century to describe something or someone that is gruesomely or frighteningly interesting
Example Uses
- The ghoulish decorations at the haunted house attraction included fake blood, skeletons, and cobwebs
- * He had a ghoulish fascination with true crime stories and spent hours reading about serial killers
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
pleasant
pleasing
delightful
charming
attractive
appealing
alluring
enticing
inviting
welcoming
friendly
genial
affable
cordial
warm
gentle
kind
compassionate
sympathetic
empathetic
humane
benevolent
benign
mild
moderate
restrained
decent
respectable
proper
seemly