as in demon
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of incubus
Your fame sits beside you like an incubus, and people are embarrassed and want to leave the room.
—
Candace Bushnell, Vogue, 23 Feb. 2025
This meaning is visualized in Henry Fuseli’s 1781 painting The Nightmare, which shows a woman sleeping peacefully on a couch while a nauseating monster—an incubus—sits portentously on her abdomen, unbeknownst to her.
—Time, 28 Dec. 2022
As Tommy’s experiences in the tunnels of France mark a continued incubus for his character, with visions of being pulled into the mud, the sounding of the bell coincides with his own inner peace.
—Josh St. Clair, Men's Health, 13 June 2022
An incubus is the male variety (and also that band).
—Angie Jones, Glamour, 17 Mar. 2022
Candace Bushnell, Vogue, 23 Feb. 2025
This meaning is visualized in Henry Fuseli’s 1781 painting The Nightmare, which shows a woman sleeping peacefully on a couch while a nauseating monster—an incubus—sits portentously on her abdomen, unbeknownst to her.
—Time, 28 Dec. 2022
As Tommy’s experiences in the tunnels of France mark a continued incubus for his character, with visions of being pulled into the mud, the sounding of the bell coincides with his own inner peace.
—Josh St. Clair, Men's Health, 13 June 2022
An incubus is the male variety (and also that band).
—Angie Jones, Glamour, 17 Mar. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incubus
Noun
-
Between cases, Harvey confronted his demons and by the series’ 2019 finale was a married man headed to Seattle to reunite with his sidekick to do some legal good for the little guys.—
Yvonne Villarreal,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Apr. 2025
-
This could be the first step in Hellebuyck erasing demons from playoffs past.—
Jeremy Rutherford,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The computer daemon operates in a similar manner, continuously working behind the scenes to keep processes going and to address service requests.—
The Editors,
JSTOR Daily,
23 Oct. 2024
-
Yet in their original form gremlins are alive and well, living under new names—daemons, worms, virtual pets.—
The Editors,
JSTOR Daily,
23 Oct. 2024
Noun
-
Our ears are still ringing from watching fans become shrieking banshees upon realizing that one of her professional dancers was actually the NFL star.—
Lauren Huff,
EW.com,
7 Dec. 2024
-
The banshee, a spirit of Scottish and Irish origin, signifies death.—
Noel Burgess,
Forbes,
20 Oct. 2024
Noun
-
Other than a bartender and the dead girl in the corner — a mannequin, dressed like a ghoul, in a long white gown and pale make-up.—
Christopher Borrelli,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Apr. 2025
-
Check out the Halloween decoration ideas below and get ready to unleash your inner ghoul.—
Maria Correa,
Miami Herald,
3 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound Mapping algorithm, which can create a phantom 5.1.4 system or higher from just four speakers, inspired vivid sonic immersion.—
Ryan Waniata,
Wired News,
2 Apr. 2025
-
To combat such phantoms, Georgian Dream has passed new legislation that criminalizes assembly and protest.—
Anastasiya Zavyalova,
The Conversation,
28 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The before-and-after pictures still astound: a skeletal wraith on the left, a rosy-cheeked child on the right.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
27 May 2015
-
Agatha is also being pursued by her ex, Rio Vidal (Aubrey Plaza), a powerful green witch, as well as the Salem Seven, vengeful wraiths of Agatha's first coven.—
Ars Technica,
Ars Technica,
24 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
And Dot — well, Dot keeps an imp in an old wine bottle.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
17 Apr. 2025
-
Combining animation and live action, the film continues the adventures of the magical imp Pumuckl.—
Ed Meza,
Variety,
13 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
That nation is, for Netanyahu, the longest-standing bogeyman.—
Mick Krever,
CNN Money,
31 Mar. 2025
-
Voter fraud and multiple votes by the same person in a single election is a largely nonexistent bogeyman of Trump’s.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
31 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Incubus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incubus. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share