Synonyms for
Haunting
Definition
having a lasting and disconcerting effect; evoking a strong emotion, especially sadness or fear
Synonyms & similar words
Synonyms by register
Formal
Literary
Antonyms
Common collocations
- haunting melody
- haunting beauty
- haunting memory
- haunting experience
- haunting tune
- haunting presence
- haunting fear
Word family
Usage note
Often used to describe something that is deeply affecting or memorable, especially in a sad or beautiful way. It can also refer to ghosts or spirits.
Example sentences
- The abandoned house had a haunting feeling.
- The haunting music made me feel scared.
- The haunting memories of the war stayed with him forever.
- The haunting image of the ghostly figure gave me goosebumps.
- The haunting story kept me up at night.
Quotes
'In all the haunting complexities of the English language, two words stand out as simple: 'tea' and 'sorry.' - Douglas Adams
'Fear is the main source of superstition, and one of the main sources of cruelty. To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom.' - Bertrand Russell
'The world is indeed full of peril, and in it there are many dark places; but still there is much that is fair, and though in all lands love is now mingled with grief, it grows perhaps the greater.' - J.R.R. Tolkien