Synonyms of spectralnext
1
: of, relating to, or suggesting a specter : ghostly
We felt a spectral presence in the old ballroom.
No ghost stood beside me, nor anything of spectral aspect; merely a motherly, dumpy little woman, in a large shawl, a wrapping-gown, and a clean, trim nightcap.Charlotte Brontë
2
: of, relating to, or made by a spectrum
especially : relating to or derived from the electromagnetic spectrum of visible light
Surfaces can differ in the proportion of incident light they reflect (dark ones reflect less than light ones) and in the spectral composition of the light they reflect. Principles of Neural Science
Their examination supported the opinion that the stone was mined in India and cut in London. They also found that the spectral characteristics overlap those of known treated green diamonds. Lapidary Journal

Examples of spectral in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Each compound leaves behind a distinct spectral signature. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 12 June 2026 However, Cher believes that her ex is nevertheless a spectral presence in her life. Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 22 June 2026 In one chilling early scene, the toys peek out Bonnie’s window and see all the houses around them lit up, from within, by the spectral glow of personal digital devices. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 19 June 2026 Unfortunately, the costs of this fleeting spectral wonder are high, borne by negative consequences for our environment and our health. Char Miller, Time, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for spectral

Word History

First Known Use

1769, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spectral was in 1769

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Cite this Entry

“Spectral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spectral. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

spectral

adjective
1
: of, relating to, or suggesting a specter : ghostly
2
: of, relating to, or made by a spectrum

Medical Definition

spectral

adjective
: of, relating to, or made by a spectrum
spectrally adverb

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