Word
macabre
US/məˈkɑbɝ/
UK/məkˈɑːbɹɐ/
Definition
adj. describes something that is dark and focused on death or the gruesome, often in a shocking way.
adj. disturbing and horrifying because of involvement with or depiction of death and injury.
Examples
“The old house had a macabre atmosphere.”
“The artist is famous for his macabre paintings that depict twisted, skeletal figures in dark forests.”
“The novel's opening chapter is a masterclass in macabre storytelling, using vivid descriptions of decaying mansions and ghostly whispers to establish a sense of impending doom.”
Examples
simple
“The old house had a macabre atmosphere.”
contextual
“The artist is famous for his macabre paintings that depict twisted, skeletal figures in dark forests.”
complex
“The novel's opening chapter is a masterclass in macabre storytelling, using vivid descriptions of decaying mansions and ghostly whispers to establish a sense of impending doom.”
Usage
Often used to describe art, stories, or a person's sense of humour.
Teaching tip
While it means 'scary', it specifically implies a fascination with the physical reality of death; it is more sophisticated than 'creepy'.
Real-World Examples
“These macabre and somewhat unhygienic magical objects, created to break bewitchments, were fairly popular across Europe between the early modern era and the early 20th century .” “Spooky sculptures that brood on death, if your day by the sea needs a macabre salting.” Etymology
Borrowed from French macabre, whose etymology is uncertain. Possibly from the term danse macabre, most commonly believed to be from corruption of the biblical name Maccabees; compare Latin Chorea Machabaeorum. Another theory derives the French term (through Spanish macabro) from Arabic مَقَابِر (maqābir, “cemeteries”), plural of مَقْبَرَة (maqbara) or مَقْبُرَة (maqbura).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/macabre