specter
10 synonyms for specter, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A ghostly figure or apparition; a phantom.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use specter
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
the specter of war
a ghostly specter
raise the specter of
Etymology
From Middle French spectre, from Latin spectrum ("appearance, apparition") — the same Latin root that gives us "spectrum."
Full origin of specter →Frequently asked questions
What does “specter” mean?
The word “specter” means a ghostly figure or apparition; a phantom. In plain terms, a ghost, or a scary idea/threat that keeps hanging over you even though it hasn't happened yet.
How do you pronounce “specter”?
“Specter” is pronounced SPEHK-tuh (/ˈspɛktɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “specter” in a sentence?
Here is “specter” used in a sentence: “A pale specter was said to wander the old corridor at night.”
What part of speech is “specter”?
“Specter” is a noun.
Where does the word “specter” come from?
The word “specter” comes from Latin. From Middle French spectre, from Latin spectrum ("appearance, apparition") — the same Latin root that gives us "spectrum.".
How many meanings does “specter” have?
“Specter” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a ghostly figure or apparition; a phantom.
