What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
haunting
Example
The haunting melody of the song stayed with me long after it ended. [haunting: adjective]
Example
The abandoned house had a haunting quality that made me feel uneasy. [haunting: noun]
creepy
Example
The old doll in the antique shop gave me a creepy feeling. [creepy: adjective]
Example
His constant staring and lack of personal space made me feel creeped out. [creeped: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Creepy is more commonly used than haunting in everyday language. Creepy is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while haunting is less common and refers to a specific type of emotional impact.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between haunting and creepy?
While haunting is typically associated with a more formal tone, creepy is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be used in various formality levels.