spook 1 of 2

noun

ˈspük How to pronounce spook (audio)
Definition of spooknext
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

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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

spook

2 of 2

verb

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

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 spook
Noun
Spies are back, at least according to rising star Agnes O’Casey, who is playing four agent roles this year and who unsurprisingly has some thoughts about the most famous spook of all. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 25 Apr. 2026 The market got a spook earlier this year because private credit funds have lent heavily to the software industry — under threat from AI — and many investors sought to cash out funds. — J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 15 Apr. 2026
Verb
Despite gazing at the ghostly presence in full, Bela’s parents don’t seem all that spooked, even when the young girl is tossed around like a rag doll during an anniversary gathering at their home. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026 The launch of Kimi-K3 in 2026 spooked them in much the same way. — Jon Martindale, PC Magazine, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spook
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spook
  1. spy
  2. ghost
  3. frighten
  4. operative
  5. apparition
  6. scare
  7. agent
  8. spirit
Noun
  • Weeks before the shootdown, the spies allegedly reported on the naval airbase in Key West and were told to transmit Brothers to the Rescue flight data back to the Cuban authorities.
    — Liv Caputo Herald, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026
  • His sixth great-grandfather was a spy in the Revolutionary War.
    — Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of spy
Noun
  • From glittering ghosts, ghastly goblins and wicked witches to wily warlocks, fashion can inspire any Halloween transformation.
    — Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 18 Oct. 2026
  • There were earlier versions of this story that were openly mocking of Kip, versions that threw Leo under the bus for being too sly; versions that were too overtly political; versions with ghosts that didn’t need to be there, and so on.
    — Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of ghost
Verb
  • Douglas admitted that his father’s behavior left him and brother Joel frightened.
    — Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
  • At the very start of the pandemic, while most Americans were hunkered down, frightened for their lives and worried about job loss, RealPage hosted a virtual pep talk for landlords.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of frighten
Noun
  • His vice president at the nonprofit, a longtime Republican operative, had suggested it, Wilson later testified.
    — Christopher Spata, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Kenney said the movement also became more professional, building organizations, raising money and drawing in political operatives with campaign and fundraising experience.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of operative
Noun
  • One is Eye Witness (1987), a wintry landscape of two figures who seem to look away from an apparition of sorts; a skyscraper in the distance bears a resemblance to the Empire State Building.
    — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
  • For evening observers, this apparition has been more frustrating than triumphant, with Venus lingering low in the glow of twilight instead of climbing into a commanding position.
    — Joe Rao, Space.com, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of apparition
Verb
  • Dozens of other Halloween 2026 events in Metro Detroit are listed in the CBS News Detroit treats and scares roundup.
    — Jack Springgate, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • In addition to scaring the bejesus out of Hamlet and demanding blood, the ghost informs the audience exactly how the murder occurred.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of scare
Noun
  • Anyone seeking to hold federal agents accountable must be prepared for a long wait, says Borchetta.
    — Philip Wang, Time, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Child welfare agents said abuse may have occurred, but the perpetrator was unknown, according to records reviewed by The Washington Post.
    — Lara Korte The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of agent
Noun
  • Shoes also embraced a more playful and expressive spirit, with jewels, bows, flowers, bold prints and vibrant colors.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Spending time together brings out their humor and fighting spirit, alongside emotional stories and traditions passed down through generations.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of spirit

Browse Nearby Words

spoofs
spook
spooked
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spook.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spook. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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