spectre
10 synonyms for spectre, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A ghost or ghostly apparition; also, a looming threat or worry that haunts a situation.
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 spectre
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
the spectre of war
raise the spectre of
a ghostly spectre
Etymology
From French spectre, from Latin spectrum ("appearance, image"), from specere ("to look at") — the same root as "spectacle" and "inspect."
Full origin of spectre →Frequently asked questions
What does “spectre” mean?
The word “spectre” means a ghost or ghostly apparition; also, a looming threat or worry that haunts a situation. In plain terms, a ghost, or figuratively, a scary possibility that keeps hanging over people's minds.
How do you use “spectre” in a sentence?
Here is “spectre” used in a sentence: “Visitors claim to have seen a spectre wandering the old castle halls.”
What part of speech is “spectre”?
“Spectre” is a noun.
Where does the word “spectre” come from?
The word “spectre” comes from Latin. From French spectre, from Latin spectrum ("appearance, image"), from specere ("to look at") — the same root as "spectacle" and "inspect.".
Is “spectre” a common word?
“Spectre” is an uncommon word in modern English.
