Eerie describes something that feels strangely unsettlingCausing discomfort, worry, or a feeling that things are not right., often because it seems spooky, unnaturalNot normal or not seeming to come from nature or ordinary life., or frightening. It can also suggest something mysteriousHard to understand, explain, or know clearly. or strangely familiar in a way that makes you uncomfortable.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-18. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /ˈɪri/
Easy pronunciation: EER-ee (approximate spelling).
Stress: Stress the first syllable.
Adjective meaning strangely scary or unsettling.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-18. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Eerie Meaning
strangely scary or unsettling
Part of speech: adjective
Definition: inspiring a feeling of fear; strange and frightening
Example: The empty hallway felt eerie after the lights went out.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- eery — Variant spelling of the same word, used with the same meaning.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-18. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Eerie
Meaning 2
mysterious in a spooky or uncanny way
Part of speech: adjective
Definition: suggestive of the supernatural; mysterious
Example: There was an eerie feeling that someone was watching us.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-18. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Eerie Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- eery
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-18. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- People sometimes use eerie for any kind of strange thing, but it usually means strange in a spooky, unsettling, or uncanny way.
- Do not confuse eerie with ordinary words like unusual or odd unless there is also a sense of fear or uncanny unease.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-18. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does eerie mean?
Eerie means strangely scary, unsettling, or spooky. It can also describe something mysterious or uncanny.
What is a simple synonym for eerie?
A close synonym is eery, which is just a variant spelling. In some contexts, spooky or creepy may also fit, but they are not exact in every case.
Is eerie always about fear?
Not always. It can describe a mysterious or uncanny feeling that is unsettling even if nothing is openly frightening.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-18. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.