What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
macabre
Example
The macabre scene in the horror movie made me cover my eyes. [macabre: adjective]
Example
The artist's macabre paintings often featured skeletons and other dark imagery. [macabre: adjective]
morbid
Example
She has a morbid fear of germs and always carries hand sanitizer. [morbid: adjective]
Example
The news report was filled with morbid details about the crime scene. [morbid: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Morbid is more commonly used than macabre in everyday language. Morbid is a more versatile word that can be used in a wider range of contexts, while macabre is more specific and less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between macabre and morbid?
Both macabre and morbid are relatively formal words that may not be used in everyday conversation. However, macabre is more likely to be used in artistic or literary contexts, while morbid can be used in a wider range of formal and informal situations.