gremlin

noun

ˈgrem-lən How to pronounce gremlin (audio)
Definition of gremlinnext
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

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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 gremlin The only thing that would satisfy the gremlin in me is the ruination of my freedom. — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 19 Mar. 2026 Don’t let fear of your inner gremlins stop you from self-work to uplevel your life. — Tribune Content Agency, Baltimore Sun, 23 Jan. 2026 Don’t let fear of your inner gremlins stop you from self-work to level up your life. — Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 23 Jan. 2026 Not like a law breaker; more like a gremlin. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 17 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gremlin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gremlin
  1. fairy
  2. elf
  3. goblin
  4. dwarf
Noun
  • Melissa, who affectionately calls her daughters Big Sis and Lil Sis online, says that the fairy holding an open book in her lap is representative of her older daughter who loves to read.
    — Georgia Slater, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Fill yours with soft fairy lights, autumn potpourri, or Halloween candy.
    — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of fairy
Noun
  • Just over a year after its acquisition, Hailey Bieber's brand contributed $160 million in quarterly sales of a total $479 million—as sales of elf's namesake brand slipped.
    — Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Reading allows children to live in a vibrant world, surrounded by fairies, elves and talking animals, transporting them to places where the impossible becomes real.
    — Michelle Kearney, The Conversation, 7 July 2026
Definition of elf
Noun
  • Two years ago, the Man City phenom appeared in a 90-second spot for the game that saw him get recruited to storm a castle teeming with goblins, dragons and impish skeletons.
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 26 June 2026
  • Follow the babe with the power into Jim Henson’s gloriously weird fantasy wonderland, where goblins sing, doors argue, and David Bowie’s Goblin King serves enough glam-rock charisma to power an entire kingdom.
    — Arushi Jacob, Variety, 24 June 2026
Definition of goblin
Noun
  • When a larger galaxy pulls apart a smaller dwarf galaxy, the dwarf’s stars can stretch into a stream — a cosmic breadcrumb trail of that encounter.
    — Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
  • To avoid this, sow dwarf crepe myrtles at least 4 to 6 feet apart, space standard-sized trees at least 8 feet from each other, and keep crepe myrtles of any size at least 3 feet away from fencing.
    — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of dwarf

Browse Nearby Words

gregariousness
gremlin
gremlins
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gremlin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gremlin. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on gremlin

Nglish: Translation of gremlin for Spanish Speakers

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