phantom 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of phantomnext
as in imaginary
not real and existing only in the imagination the company claimed that the only hazards involving its product were the phantom dangers created by consumer groups

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

phantom

2 of 2

noun

ˈfan-təm How to pronounce phantom (audio)
as in ghost
the soul of a dead person thought of especially as appearing to living people Halloween is supposed to be a time when phantoms return to walk among us

Synonyms & Similar 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 phantom
Adjective
However, other astronomers were sceptical of the predictions, as no evidence of this phantom third body has been spotted in modern data. — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 23 June 2026 The appearance of phantom behavior is basically the result of bookkeeping, said David Andriot, a physicist at CNRS, the French National Center for Scientific Research. — Quanta Magazine, 22 June 2026
Noun
Old Town The belltower looms like a phantom. — Chen Yuhong, The Dial, 3 Feb. 2026 The Neihardts assumed the phantom sounds came from Mona. — Shannon Taggart, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for phantom
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phantom
  1. imaginary
  2. ghost
  3. fictitious
  4. apparition
  5. fictional
  6. spirit
  7. mythical
  8. imagined
Adjective
  • Hop aboard an imaginary Vespa, or perhaps a high-speed train eastward to the boot country, where not every meal comes blistering out of a brick oven or ladled from a bubbling pot.
    — Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 July 2026
  • Some rehearse using a bedpan — placing it in the right spot, cleaning out the imaginary contents.
    — Elissa Nadworny, NPR, 30 June 2026
Definition of imaginary
Noun
  • The same applies to the Lake of Tears, which seemed really important when Jim’s ghost showed up to tell Ethan to find it.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • The English have to contend with not only the ghost of Maradona’s two goals, but also the altitude in Mexico City, which is about 7,350 feet above sea level.
    — Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of ghost
Adjective
  • The book traces the fictitious Yeoman family’s evolution over generations from self-sufficient homesteaders to participants in global markets.
    — Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 23 June 2026
  • Hosting its usual presentation at its headquarters, located a stone’s throw from San Babila square, the brand installed video walls that broadcast a fictitious runway show created with the help of AI.
    — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 22 June 2026
Definition of fictitious
Noun
  • Reports of strange sounds, apparitions, and unexplained encounters continue to attract visitors.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 June 2026
  • Why then, when discussing body image after weight changes, is our culture reaching for the language of vexing apparitions and death?
    — Virgie Tovar, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
Definition of apparition
Adjective
  • The duo, known for fictional young adult content on YouTube, plans to keep leveling up their material while keeping it native to the internet.
    — Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • The Paramount+ show follows Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler on a new adventure in the fictional South Texas town of Rio Paloma.
    — Brayden Garcia July 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 July 2026
Definition of fictional
Noun
  • So after years of working as a television producer, Saleh left broadcast journalism and leaned into her creative spirit.
    — Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • All the most gasp-inspiring moments of visual awe — such as Moana soaring across the sea as a manta ray spirit swims underneath her — are just a little stronger, a little bolder and brighter, in their original art form.
    — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 8 July 2026
Definition of spirit
Adjective
  • But a wiser course might be to emphasize a kind of counter-nostalgia, reclaiming a mythic past for the forces of tolerance and democratic generosity.
    — Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026
  • Together, the band brings to life a mythic world of ancient heroes and villains, attracting an excited audience of headbangers and fantasy fanatics, many of whom show up in costume.
    — Steve Appleford, SPIN, 29 June 2026
Definition of mythical
Adjective
  • Wealth and social rank, once near the top of any imagined list, have slipped quietly down the rankings.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 June 2026
  • The images and physics of the imagined world around them is added in later.
    — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 26 June 2026
Definition of imagined

Browse Nearby Words

phantasms
phantom
phantoms
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Cite this Entry

“Phantom.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phantom. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of phantom for Spanish Speakers

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