specter

noun

spec·​ter ˈspek-tər How to pronounce specter (audio)
variants or spectre
1
: a visible disembodied spirit : ghost
2
: something that haunts or perturbs the mind : phantasm
the specter of hunger

Examples of specter in a Sentence

feeling so terrified that every shadow became a specter
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Democratic leaders quickly slammed the door on supporting the measure, raising the specter of a high-stakes clash this week. Tricia Escobedo, CNN, 10 Mar. 2025 Such a windfall right before market-moving news inevitably raises the specter of insider trading. Shahar Ziv, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025 Donald Trump has repeatedly raised the specter of annexing Canada since his inauguration to a second term as president. G. Patrick O'Brien, The Conversation, 3 Mar. 2025 Carr’s remarks raise the specter of the FCC probing the Big Four broadcast networks’ business relationship with their affiliate stations throughout the country. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for specter

Word History

Etymology

French spectre, from Latin spectrum appearance, specter, from specere to look, look at — more at spy

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of specter was in 1605

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Specter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/specter. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

specter

noun
spec·​ter
variants or spectre
1
: ghost
2
: something that bothers the mind

More from Merriam-Webster on specter

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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