specter

noun

spec·​ter ˈspek-tər 

variants or spectre

1

: a visible disembodied spirit : ghost

2

: something that haunts or perturbs the mind : phantasm

the specter of hunger

Synonyms of specter

• apparition
• ghost
• spirit
• phantom

Examples of specter in a Sentence

feeling so terrified that every shadow became a specter

Recent Examples on the Web

Additionally, the specter of broadening the sales tax base — to include untaxed services such as haircuts, lawn care and auto repair, for example — remains a favorite among the revenue-seeking set here. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026

But for all of the good vibes, there is a specter haunting books and bookselling—several of them, really. — Literary Hub, 16 July 2026

Those concerns were amplified by the specter of a separate, slow-moving application seeking to build nearly 300 apartments across from Jefferson Elementary School less than minute up the road. — Mark Dee july 9, Idaho Statesman, 9 July 2026

But adding capacity also raises the specter of a potential supply glut down the road if demand cools off. — Bailey Lipschultz, Fortune, 5 July 2026

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

Phrases Containing specter

• raised the specter of
• the specter of (something)

Rhymes for specter

• hector
• lector
• nectar
• rector
• sector
• spectre
• vector
• bisector
• collector
• connector
• corrector
• defector

Kids Definition

specter

noun

spec·​ter

variants or spectre

ˈspek-tər 

1

: ghost

2

: something that bothers the mind