phantoms

noun

plural of phantom
as in apparitions
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

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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 phantoms Both phantoms were packed with thousands of dosimeters, tracking radiation dose over specific phases of the flight rather than just a cumulative total. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 13 Aug. 2026 The two phantoms were designed to be adult females, since previous research found that breasts and ovaries are especially susceptible to radiation damage. — Charles Q. Choi, Space.com, 12 Aug. 2026 But now, with her eighth novel, Riley might finally have broken free of her phantoms. — Literary Hub, 6 Aug. 2026 Such a designation, evidently, would save agents from wasting time chasing phantoms. — Adam Ciralsky, Vanity Fair, 19 Mar. 2026 Just in time for Halloween, the sonic phantoms that have long plagued the ladies of The View have seemingly possessed inanimate objects over on the Live With Kelly and Mark set. — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Oct. 2025 Because contemporary phantoms of Richard Mille, Patek Philippe, and Rolex are expertly constructed to entice even the most discerning eye, provenance is crucial. — Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025 Science and magic, love, humour and phantoms. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phantoms
  1. apparitions
  2. spirits
  3. ghosts
  4. shadows
Noun
  • The location was a former sugarcane plantation notorious for cruelty, and accounts of apparitions in the water are a reminder of this history.
    — Marcus Librizzi, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 2026
  • That is, until miraculous apparitions turn it into a place to be.
    — Marta Balaga, Variety, 17 July 2026
Definition of apparitions
Noun
  • The week will start dry and warmer than normal, but rain chances return Tuesday and could dampen Halloween spirits, with a 40% chance of rain Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026
  • As the Commander of the crew, my main responsibilities were to make sure the crew was safe, in good health and spirits, getting along well and on top of their work.
    — Michaela Musilova, Space.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of spirits
Noun
  • The runway ghosts This shift in Halloween’s long-term relevance has been dominated by the vintage sector as gay Halloween ups the caliber of IYKYK references.
    — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2026
  • In 2026, the gemlike Brooklyn venue lent Kushner’s project a magical quality, turning the audience into ghosts from the future, eavesdropping on the fall of the Weimar Republic but unable to intervene.
    — Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of ghosts
Noun
  • Visions, enhanced with shadows and emotion, came to life on marble through sketching the stone and chiseling and carving entirely by hand.
    — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026
  • This refusal to look directly at the shadows is all the more aggravating given how often The Mosquito Bowl pats itself on the back for being clear-eyed.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of shadows

Browse Nearby Words

phantom
phantoms
pharaoh
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Cite this Entry

“Phantoms.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phantoms. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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