phantasmal

adjective

phan·​tas·​mal (ˈ)fan‧¦tazməl 

: of, relating to, or like a phantasm : transitory as a phantasm : illusive, spectral, unreal

his fear of the last few hours looked thin and phantasmal in the presence of so much light

—Walter Gilkyson

coastline of frozen phantasmal peaks

—Marguerite Young

the moon's phantasmal fire

—Walter de la Mare

phantasmality

ˌ⸗ˌ⸗ˈmalətē, 

-ətē, 

-i

noun

plural -es

phantasmally

(ˈ)⸗¦⸗məlē, 

-li

adverb

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now