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
  • Then Sean moves away and grows up to become a spy who, after wrapping up a mission involving smuggling a nuclear warhead for reasons unknown, decides to pay an impromptu visit to his tweenage buddies.
    — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The actor grew up immersed in the entertainment business as the son of one of Hollywood's most famous spies.
    — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of spy
Noun
  • With Abi away overseas, Firman disappears, and Gadis and a motley band of ghosts help Indah look for him.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Both will star as the central con-artist ghost hunters who stumble upon a real ghost during one of their scams.
    — Joshua Rivera, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of ghost
Verb
  • But the more productive expansion has to do with character, especially as regards Carrie and her mother, who is not the deranged, abusive religious fanatic of previous versions, but an essentially loving parent frightened of the modern world.
    — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The stranger’s hollow cheeks, his dark eyes, whose lashes always appeared wet, the bony shoulders that protruded from the singlet Chee Meng had lent him—all of it frightened Shawn.
    — Rachel Heng, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of frighten
Noun
  • Annable stars in Taylor Sheridan’s Paramount+ series Lioness playing the husband of CIA operative Joe McNamara (Zoe Saldaña).
    — Justin Kroll, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Jamal allegedly promised to protect the Feeding Our Future operatives against the threat of prosecution, took their money, and then turned some of them over to investigators.
    — Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 5 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
  • There are a few other helpful features, such as two-way talk to speak with visitors on the other side of your door, as well as a siren that can scare away any unwanted parties.
    — George Yang, PC Magazine, 6 Oct. 2026
  • More than anything, this adaptation feels scared of being too unlikable or scaring anyone too much.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of scare
Noun
  • The coupling of violence with law and order is ever present in the agent’s recollections, but tonally, the show feels light.
    — Stephanie Wambugu, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Its membership spans producers, executive producers, distributors, sales agents, technical and post-production firms and dubbing houses.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 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
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Cite this Entry

“Spook.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spook. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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