What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
uncannily
Example
The new employee's uncanny resemblance to the CEO was striking. [uncanny: adjective]
Example
It was uncanny how the song on the radio perfectly matched my mood. [uncanny: adverb]
eerily
Example
The abandoned house looked eerily quiet and still. [eerily: adverb]
Example
The sound of footsteps echoing through the empty hallway was eerily unsettling. [eerily: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Eerily is more commonly used than uncannily in everyday language. Eerily is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while uncannily is less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between uncannily and eerily?
Both uncannily and eerily are informal words that are used in casual conversation. However, uncannily may be slightly more formal due to its roots in German philosophy.