specter

noun

spec·​ter ˈspek-tər How to pronounce specter (audio)
variants or spectre
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.
Officials have raised the specter of TikTok sharing user data with the Chinese government, which the company denies. Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2025 Still, Gaines, as well as conservative lawmakers and other anti-trans activists, has used the specter of Thomas and transgender athletes to pursue a nationwide movement to ban them from competing in women’s sports. Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 4 July 2025 Any final decision to close the waterway rests with the country's national security council, and its possibility has raised the specter of higher energy prices and aggravated geopolitical tensions, with Washington calling upon Beijing to prevent the strait's closure. Sam Meredith, CNBC, 23 June 2025 The specter of capture and possible execution spurred them to another maritime feat, this time fleeing instead of chasing Union ships on a 17,000-mile, nonstop sail to Liverpool, England. Francine Uenuma, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 June 2025 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 13 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

specter

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

More from Merriam-Webster on specter

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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