macabre
/məˈkɑːbə(ɹ)/
Group 26Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Disturbing and horrifying because of involvement with or depiction of death and injury GRE
Example in Context
The exhibit's macabre collection of wartime photography documented atrocities that many visitors found difficult to confront.
Synonyms
creepygruesomeghastly
Etymology
From French, linking to a horrifying display of death.
- macabre (French) — dance of death
Memory Aid
🚕Sounds like “my cab”
Imagine a cab driver who only plays ghostly tunes — his fares are always MACABRE!
Visual Association
💀A spooky graveyard where skeletons dance under a full moon, creating a chilling atmosphere.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “macabre” mean on the GRE?
macabre (adjective) means “Disturbing and horrifying because of involvement with or depiction of death and injury”. The exhibit's macabre collection of wartime photography documented atrocities that many visitors found difficult to confront.
How to remember “macabre” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “macabre” sounds like “my cab”. Imagine a cab driver who only plays ghostly tunes — his fares are always MACABRE!
What are synonyms for “macabre”?
Common synonyms: creepy, gruesome, ghastly.