apparitions

noun

plural of apparition
as in spirits
the soul of a dead person thought of especially as appearing to living people an eccentric who claimed to have photographed an apparition in her very own house

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 apparitions That is, until miraculous apparitions turn it into a place to be. — Marta Balaga, Variety, 17 July 2026 Today, the massive complex attracts paranormal investigators who report apparitions, voices, and other unexplained phenomena. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 June 2026 Why then, when discussing body image after weight changes, is our culture reaching for the language of vexing apparitions and death? — Virgie Tovar, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026 The museum site has been a paranormal hotbed for decades, with sightings of apparitions, security camera footage capturing items flying off shelves, as well as experiences from staff members and visitors. — Gregory Harutunian, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026 There certainly seem to be apparitions in this music, some presence apart from the four musicians and the throngs of fans, which is intensified by the visceral collision of so many sounds. — Stephen M. Deusner, Pitchfork, 27 Apr. 2026 Acosta’s bright shapes could be seen as apparitions of a sort. — Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 30 Mar. 2026 The small museum, which opened last year, covers the creatures, apparitions and mysteries eluding prosaic explanation. — Adam Kuehl, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2026 The image combines each planet's nightly positions during separate 2025 apparitions, assembled by astrophotographer Petr Horálek, a NOIRLab Audiovisual Ambassador. — Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apparitions
  1. spirits
  2. ghosts
  3. shadows
  4. visions
Noun
  • The mini bar—located inside a gorgeous wooden cabinet—was filled with local spirits like pox, a Mayan liquor made of corn, sugar cane, and wheat, and Mayalen Guerrero mezcal in a bottle so beautiful I was tempted to sneak it back in my suitcase.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Drinkwitz has said Hardy is in good spirits throughout his recovery, even having his son accompany him to rehab.
    — PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of spirits
Noun
  • Think smiling jack-o'-lanterns, black cats, friendly ghosts, retro blow molds and decorations inspired by Halloweens of decades past.
    — Casey DelBasso, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • This pastel purple throw blanket features a cute pattern of playful ghosts.
    — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of ghosts
Noun
  • Anderson’s character makes her entrance by suddenly popping out from the shadows, startling Kris.
    — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Towering live oaks draped with Spanish moss lined the neighborhood, casting long shadows across the pavement as the sun began to set.
    — Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of shadows
Noun
  • Her final film Sleepwalker, a psychological thriller about a mother who has fightening visions after losing her daughter in a car accident, was released in January.
    — Denise Petski, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Education is expected to be a central issue in those races, with candidates offering competing visions for improving student outcomes and strengthening public schools.
    — Jason Burns, The Conversation, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of visions

Browse Nearby Words

apparition
apparitions
appeal
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Cite this Entry

“Apparitions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apparitions. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on apparitions

Nglish: Translation of apparitions for Spanish Speakers

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