Macabre. This word is often associated with death and the grotesque. In a ghost story, it could describe a scene where there are decaying bodies or some sort of dark, death - related mystery. For example, a cemetery at midnight with strange noises coming from the freshly dug graves is macabre.
Creepy. It's a very common but effective word. It can be used to describe things like a sudden cold breeze in a warm room when there's no explanation, or a face that appears briefly in a window and then disappears. Just the idea of something that makes you feel a little bit scared and uneasy in a quiet, unexpected way is creepy.
Ghoulish. A ghoulish description in a ghost story might involve a character or entity that is interested in death, decay, or the misfortune of others. For example, a spirit that feeds on the fear of the living and takes pleasure in scaring them to death can be described as ghoulish.
There are also 'ardent' and 'devoted'. 'Ardent' describes strong and passionate love. 'Devoted' shows the loyalty and commitment in the relationships in the romance novels. Additionally, 'serene' can be used to describe the calm and peaceful moments of love in the story.
One word is 'bleak'. A bleak setting in a horror story can be a desolate landscape or a rundown building, giving a feeling of hopelessness. 'Grim' is also good. It gives the idea of something harsh and unforgiving, like a grim reaper - like figure. 'Ominous' is a classic. It makes the reader anticipate something bad. For example, an ominous cloud or an ominous silence.
There are words like 'diabolical'. This implies something devilish, something that is extremely evil and cunning in a very scary way. 'Horrific' is another strong word for scary stories. It describes something that is so bad and terrifying that it can leave a long - lasting impression on the reader or listener. 'Hideous' can also be used, especially when describing a really grotesque or ugly and scary character or situation in a story. These words can add more depth and intensity to the horror in a scary story.
Well, there are 'haunting' which gives the idea that the story stays with the reader long after it's been read. 'Gripping' is another one, just like 'enthralling', it makes the reader hold on tight to the story. Also, 'riveting' which means extremely interesting and holding one's attention firmly. The story might be about a mystery or an adventure, and these words would be very suitable to describe how it draws the reader in. It's not just about the plot, but also how the characters are developed and the setting is described that can make a story 'riveting'. For example, a story set in a post - apocalyptic world with complex characters fighting for survival can be 'riveting' as it combines elements of danger, hope, and human nature.
Some additional words are 'apparitional' which directly refers to something like an apparition or a ghostly figure. 'Enigmatic' works well as ghosts are often full of mystery. 'Malevolent' because many ghost stories involve a harmful or evil spirit. Also, 'nocturnal' can be used as many ghostly encounters seem to happen at night.
Eerie. This word can describe the strange and spooky atmosphere often found in ghost stories. For example, an old, abandoned house with creaking floors and dim lighting gives an eerie feeling.
Sure. 'Ghastly', 'wraith', 'poltergeist'. 'Ghastly' means extremely unpleasant or horrible, which is suitable for describing the appearance of a ghost or a spooky scene. 'Wraith' is a thin, ghost - like figure often associated with death. 'Poltergeist' is a noisy and mischievous spirit that can cause chaos, adding an interesting element to a ghost story.
Well, Edgar Allan Poe has some wonderful descriptive ghost stories. For example, 'The Fall of the House of Usher' is full of detailed descriptions that build a sense of doom and the presence of something otherworldly. The decaying mansion and the strange malady of the Usher siblings are all described in a very evocative way.
Sure. In 'Moby - Dick', Herman Melville wrote, 'The ocean, vast and unending, was a liquid plain of blue - black, heaving and swelling like a living thing.'
Poltergeist stories, spirit tales.