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.
The specter of nuclear annihilation was now forever a reality, and the Cold War heightened the sense of uncertainty. Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026 No area of American life went untouched by the specter of conflict with the Soviets. Literary Hub, 21 Jan. 2026 How has the specter of tariffs changed the way that multinational companies have done business for the last year? Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026 Life carries on in the shadow of a deadly crackdown on protesters and under the specter of a potential new military faceoff with the United States. Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 16 Jan. 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 28 Jan. 2026.

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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