Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

carbuncle

[kahr-buhng-kuhl] / ˈkɑr bʌŋ kəl /
NOUN
abscess
Synonyms


NOUN
a kind of gemstone
Synonyms


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

"He was absolutely slammed down by the architectural establishment," said Clarke of the King's attacks on some modern design plans, such as in 1984 calling a proposed extension to the National Gallery a "monstrous carbuncle".

From BBC ● Sep. 26, 2025

The drama, in their view, is nothing less than a monstrous carbuncle on the face of British society.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 8, 2022

The plan, included a modern-looking curved glass courtyard, was, according to Charles, “a monstrous carbuncle on the face of a much-loved and elegant friend.”

From New York Times ● Sep. 23, 2022

In the eccentricities column, he hates modern architecture, having described an addition to the National Gallery in London as a “monstrous carbuncle on the face of a much-loved and elegant friend.”

From Washington Post ● Sep. 12, 2022

He had a developing carbuncle on the back of his neck and the skin from the inside of an eggshell stretched over it to draw it to a head.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck




Vocabulary lists containing carbuncle


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Dictionary.com's Learning Companion

Go beyond just looking up words.
Remember them forever with VocabTrainer.

Start training