phantasms

noun

variants also fantasms
plural of phantasm
1
as in illusions
a conception or image created by the imagination and having no objective reality frightened by the phantasms of his own making

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in apparitions
the soul of a dead person thought of especially as appearing to living people believed that she'd seen the phantasm of her father on the anniversary of his death

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for phantasms
  1. illusions
  2. apparitions
  3. visions
  4. spirits
  5. dreams
  6. ghosts
  7. fantasies
  8. shadows
Noun
  • Russia’s invasion of Ukraine shattered Europe’s remaining illusions not just about Moscow but also about Beijing.
    — Kurt M. Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Published in the journal Computers in Human Behavior, 95 people—Millennial and Gen Z men and women, all of whom had a history of using Instagram for an average of eight years—underwent a virtual reality experience called body illusions.
    — Nicole Karlis, Allure, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of illusions
Noun
  • That is, until miraculous apparitions turn it into a place to be.
    — Marta Balaga, Variety, 17 July 2026
  • Today, the massive complex attracts paranormal investigators who report apparitions, voices, and other unexplained phenomena.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 June 2026
Definition of apparitions
Noun
  • Although the exhibit features 27 separate visions and artworks, there’s a sense of cohesion among the installations, murals and sculptures.
    — Tania Azhang, Sacbee.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • This could be a change of scenery or perhaps a new mindset that inspires new visions and opportunities for the future.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of visions
Noun
  • The mini bar—located inside a gorgeous wooden cabinet—was filled with local spirits like pox, a Mayan liquor made of corn, sugar cane, and wheat, and Mayalen Guerrero mezcal in a bottle so beautiful I was tempted to sneak it back in my suitcase.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Drinkwitz has said Hardy is in good spirits throughout his recovery, even having his son accompany him to rehab.
    — PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of spirits
Noun
  • For many people, the drawers full of sweets in the Brittany Mahomes video are the stuff of dreams.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Too close to the source and our dreams will be burned to ashes by the needs and personality of the host itself.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of dreams
Noun
  • The official residence was the site of two bloody coup attempts in the 1930s, and legend has it that the building is haunted by ghosts.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026
  • However, for Penelope—and for myself—these ghosts are not liminal, but present.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of ghosts
Noun
  • Paul Anthony Kelly looks comfortable traversing both fantasies.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The Acton teen accused of killing his mother and younger brother after first working out his violent fantasies through chats with the AI bot ChatGPT was ordered held without bail.
    — Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of fantasies
Noun
  • Anderson’s character makes her entrance by suddenly popping out from the shadows, startling Kris.
    — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Towering live oaks draped with Spanish moss lined the neighborhood, casting long shadows across the pavement as the sun began to set.
    — Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of shadows
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.

Browse Nearby Words

phantasmic
phantasms
phantom
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Cite this Entry

“Phantasms.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phantasms. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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