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

Gasoline prices are set to rise significantly and for an extended period, as the specter of $100 oil returns amidst escalating Middle East tensions. — David Blackmon, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Surging tensions across the Middle East strangled shipping traffic, driving energy prices higher and raising the specter of accelerating inflation worldwide. — Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 21 July 2026

But while that proposal is off the table, the specter of mining near the refuge remains. — Drew Kann, AJC.com, 20 July 2026

As the second half of extra-time began and the specter of a shootout loomed, up stepped Ferrán Torres, someone who couldn’t have deserved it more. — Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 20 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