eerie
12 synonyms and 3 antonyms for eerie, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Strange and unsettling in a way that suggests something mysterious or supernatural.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use eerie
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
eerie silence
eerie glow
eerie feeling
Etymology
From Middle English eri ("fearful"), ultimately from an Old English word meaning "cowardly" — the sense shifted over time from feeling afraid to being the kind of thing that inspires fear.
Full origin of eerie →Frequently asked questions
What does “eerie” mean?
The word “eerie” means strange and unsettling in a way that suggests something mysterious or supernatural. In plain terms, spooky or unsettling in a quiet, mysterious way, rather than outright terrifying.
How do you pronounce “eerie”?
“Eerie” is pronounced EER-ree (/ˈɪɚi/ in IPA).
How do you use “eerie” in a sentence?
Here is “eerie” used in a sentence: “An eerie silence hung over the abandoned house.”
What is another word for “eerie”?
Words with a similar meaning to “eerie” include chilling, creepy, eldritch, freakish, frightening and grim.
What part of speech is “eerie”?
“Eerie” is an adjective.
Where does the word “eerie” come from?
The word “eerie” comes from Old English. From Middle English eri ("fearful"), ultimately from an Old English word meaning "cowardly" — the sense shifted over time from feeling afraid to being the kind of thing that inspires fear.
Is “eerie” a common word?
“Eerie” is an uncommon word in modern English.
