GHOSTLY Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

ghostly

adjective

Definition of ghostly

as in spectral

of or relating to a ghost A ghostly figure appears in the house at night.

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of ghostly Loop adds transparency to moving objects between plays, for a ghostly look. — Michael Muchmore, PC Magazine, 29 June 2026 Digital bats trail light through the cave, passing bodies leave ghostly traces and a dancer materializes in space. — ABC News, 16 June 2026 Legend says a ghostly force pulls cars uphill, though science offers a less supernatural explanation. — Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 16 June 2026 The ghostly character doesn't have a particularly significant role in the story, but is a constant nuisance in the tapestry of Hogwarts with antics that include throwing things, making messes, pulling pranks, and generally causing mischief that enrages caretaker Argus Filch. — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for ghostly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ghostly

Adjective

This chamber spotlights the prevalence and power of the spectral and supernatural in film, with ghosts serving as inspiration for special and visual effects innovation.

— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 8 July 2026
Unfortunately, the costs of this fleeting spectral wonder are high, borne by negative consequences for our environment and our health.

— Char Miller, Time, 30 June 2026

Definition of spectral

Adjective

During the Cold War, quixotic Albanian dictator Enver Hoxha built some 750,000 concrete pillboxes to fend off a phantom invasion that never came.

— Max Grinstein, The Washington Examiner, 3 July 2026
Maddock said the state should see a $2 million increase to the school aid budget and cuts to what Republicans call phantom jobs or phantom employees, positions that are budgeted for but have remained unfilled.

— Elle Meyers, CBS News, 29 June 2026

Definition of phantom

Browse Nearby Words

ghostliness

ghostly

ghosts

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Ghostly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ghostly. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of ghostly

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

implacable

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 10

Popular

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes