Synonyms for

Haunts

Verb / hɔ:nts / Another word for haunts — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Haunts means to come back and bother someone or to visit a place often because you have a strong connection to it.

Synonyms & similar words

frequent repair ghost obsess haunt stalk hangout stampingground resort spooks hovers stalks torments plagues bedevils persecutes afflicts troubles frequents visits dwells inhabits resides migrates roams wanders rambles loafs lounges

Synonyms by register

Formal

afflicts plagues troubles torments

Informal

pesters bugs annoys gets to

Literary

possesses vexes besets

Antonyms

avoids shuns eschews ignores disregards bypasses

Common collocations

  • haunts a place
  • haunts the memory
  • a place that haunts
  • ghost haunts
  • haunts the dreams
  • haunts the mind
  • haunts the streets

Word family

noun haunt
verb haunt
adjective haunting

Usage note

Often used to describe persistent, unwelcome memories or presences, both literal (ghosts) and figurative (worries, regrets). Can also refer to a favorite place one frequents.

Example sentences

  1. The old mansion is haunted by ghosts.
  2. The memory of her ex-boyfriend haunts her.
  3. He haunts the library every day after school.
  4. The abandoned amusement park is haunted by the spirits of its past visitors.
  5. The thought of failure haunts me every day.

Quotes

  • The past is never dead. It's not even past. - William Faulkner
  • “Ghosts don't haunt us. That's not how it works. They're present among us because we won't let go of them.” - Sue Grafton
  • In all our quest of greatness, like wanton boys, whose pastime is their care, we follow after bubbles, blown in the air. - John Webster

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words