as in elves
an imaginary being usually having a small human form and magical powers
dressed up the toddlers like goblins for Halloween
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of goblins
Separate system prompt instructions for earlier models contained in the same JSON file do not contain the specific prohibition against mentioning goblins and other creatures, suggesting OpenAI is fighting a new problem that has popped up in its latest model release.
—
Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 29 Apr. 2026
This one just happens to involve wizards, goblins, and one savage, half-blind dragon.
—Séamas O'Reilly, Vulture, 26 Mar. 2026
Henson was cast as Hoggle, one of the film’s most prominent goblins and Sarah’s reluctant ally, while also managing puppeteering responsibilities behind the scenes.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
The kallikantzaroi are a group of blind, black goblins who live underground during most of the year sawing at the world tree – a motif throughout various folklores that connects the heavens to the Earth.
—Carlie Procell, USA Today, 20 Dec. 2025
On this day, candles were blessed for use in the coming year, and any decorations left up were thought to be at risk of becoming infested with goblins.
—Bobbi Sutherland, The Conversation, 19 Dec. 2025
Ghosts and goblins, along with Pikachu and princesses, filled the grounds of Heritage Hill Historical Park over the weekend.
—Heather McRea, Oc Register, 14 Oct. 2025
Jack-o-lanterns, ghouls and goblins are around every corner, but the scariest creatures of all might be thousands of feet below the ocean’s surface.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 13 Oct. 2025
Forget goblins and ghouls—being secretly watched and filmed by a stranger is one of my worst fears, especially as a solo female traveler.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2025
Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 29 Apr. 2026
This one just happens to involve wizards, goblins, and one savage, half-blind dragon.
—Séamas O'Reilly, Vulture, 26 Mar. 2026
Henson was cast as Hoggle, one of the film’s most prominent goblins and Sarah’s reluctant ally, while also managing puppeteering responsibilities behind the scenes.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
The kallikantzaroi are a group of blind, black goblins who live underground during most of the year sawing at the world tree – a motif throughout various folklores that connects the heavens to the Earth.
—Carlie Procell, USA Today, 20 Dec. 2025
On this day, candles were blessed for use in the coming year, and any decorations left up were thought to be at risk of becoming infested with goblins.
—Bobbi Sutherland, The Conversation, 19 Dec. 2025
Ghosts and goblins, along with Pikachu and princesses, filled the grounds of Heritage Hill Historical Park over the weekend.
—Heather McRea, Oc Register, 14 Oct. 2025
Jack-o-lanterns, ghouls and goblins are around every corner, but the scariest creatures of all might be thousands of feet below the ocean’s surface.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 13 Oct. 2025
Forget goblins and ghouls—being secretly watched and filmed by a stranger is one of my worst fears, especially as a solo female traveler.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for goblins
Noun
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The company behind that trio of elves, some of the most iconic mascots in pop culture, is the same corporation that put breakfast on the table in the first place.—
Heather Bushman,
USA Today,
15 Apr. 2026
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The puckish figure draws heavily on Nordic fairy tales, including stories of elves.—
Jasmin Malik Chua,
Sourcing Journal,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The original is set in an Australian rainforest populated by fairies, one of whom accidentally shrinks a logger to fairy size.—
Mike Fleming Jr,
Deadline,
17 Apr. 2026
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Woodland fairies carrying giant daffodils or wearing hats covered in mushrooms.—
Jaclyn Cosgrove,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Big money, uneven returns Steyer’s spending dwarfs every other candidate.—
Grace Hase,
Mercury News,
25 Apr. 2026
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Look for taller varieties and avoid dwarfs.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
16 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Goblins.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/goblins. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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