specter

noun

spec·​ter ˈspek-tər How to pronounce specter (audio)
variants or spectre
Synonyms of specternext
1
: a visible disembodied spirit : ghost
2
: something that haunts or perturbs the mind : phantasm
the specter of hunger

Examples of specter in a Sentence

feeling so terrified that every shadow became a specter
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Ever the sassy songwriter, Musgraves handles these specters like a pro with witty write-offs. Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 30 Apr. 2026 Investors have turned away from bonds in recent weeks, spooked by the specter of higher inflation from the Iran war. Rachel Barber, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026 There’s a specter haunting the United States. Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 29 Apr. 2026 In 2023, the Phillies were one win from back-to-back World Series appearances; the specter of that year’s National League Championship Series still hovers over the franchise to this day. Matt Gelb, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for specter

Word History

Etymology

French spectre, from Latin spectrum appearance, specter, from specere to look, look at — more at spy

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of specter was in 1605

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Specter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/specter. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

specter

noun
spec·​ter
variants or spectre
1
: ghost
2
: something that bothers the mind

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