as in haunting
of, relating to, or suggestive of a ghost
They spotted a spectral figure in the window of the old abandoned house.
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Recent Examples of spectral
In the video above, Geralt goes head-to-spectral-head with a wraith.
—
Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 13 Sep. 2025
Where King saw Jack Torrence, a man brought down by his demons (and some spectral ones) as a tragedy, Kubrick saw a monster from the jump.
—James Grebey, Time, 12 Sep. 2025
Interlune is sending a spectral camera to the moon on an Astrolab rover late this year that will help confirm whether their interpretation of remote imagery of the moon’s geology is correct.
—Jeremy Bogaisky, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
In a dry tropical forest in northwest Costa Rica, researchers found a colony of rare Vampyrum spectrum, or spectral bats, living in a hollow tree.
—Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spectral
Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 13 Sep. 2025
Where King saw Jack Torrence, a man brought down by his demons (and some spectral ones) as a tragedy, Kubrick saw a monster from the jump.
—James Grebey, Time, 12 Sep. 2025
Interlune is sending a spectral camera to the moon on an Astrolab rover late this year that will help confirm whether their interpretation of remote imagery of the moon’s geology is correct.
—Jeremy Bogaisky, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
In a dry tropical forest in northwest Costa Rica, researchers found a colony of rare Vampyrum spectrum, or spectral bats, living in a hollow tree.
—Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spectral
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spectral
Adjective
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Fire offered an evolved take on their post-hardcore calling card, but Water was largely electronic, resulting in a haunting yet serene setting.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Sep. 2025
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In fact, this whole jaunt to Flatbush has been a somewhat haunting trip down memory lane for Oliver, who has been having flashbacks of being bullied and judged for his little purple scarf and penchant for the arts.—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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These looks often emphasize exaggerated features, painted-on rosy cheeks, and stitched details, incorporating eerie and whimsical elements.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Oct. 2025
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Minimalistic yet vibrant, the now-iconic prismatic spectrum image and contrasting black background designed by Storm Thorgerson of Hipgnosis is eye-catching and eerie.—
Lina Lecaro,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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And to make the audience believe that even a creepy aspiring sperm donor is a sweetie?—
Rima Parikh,
Vulture,
5 Oct. 2025
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Ha-Ha-Halloween Song If your toddler is still a tad freaked out by all the skeletons and ghosts appearing around their neighborhood in the form of creepy decorations, and the prospect of dressing up just doesn’t sound appealing, CoComelon can help.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Paranormal activity has been reported for decades, from phantom footsteps to objects mysteriously moving on their own.—
Jacqueline Dole,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Oct. 2025
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These phantom menaces don’t seem to bother Todd at all, though Indy is understandably upset by them.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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With glowing eyes, a chilling Vincent Price-style voice (delivering deliciously cheesy dialogue), and four points of ghostly animatronic movement, this bony specter is every bit the haunted showstopper.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
3 Oct. 2025
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Perhaps there’s a haunting to be had in this injustice; perhaps these war dead, with the truth of their deaths hidden and covered up at the time, have left their own ghostly imprint upon the bay, drawing forth further inexplicable sights, sounds, and activity.—
Leanna Renee Hieber,
Big Think,
2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The weird winning season Derek Anderson The Browns have had four winning seasons since 1999, with three of them (2002, 2020, 2023) leading to the playoffs.—
Saad Yousuf,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
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There is something weird about the audio part of it all.—
Alex Weprin,
HollywoodReporter,
2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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This discovery unveils a supernatural mystery.—
Annika Pham,
Variety,
6 Oct. 2025
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Indy immediately senses something doesn't feel right and tries to protect Todd from a supernatural force that threatens their lives.—
Ralphie Aversa,
USA Today,
6 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spectral.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spectral. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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