phantasms

noun

variants also fantasms
plural of phantasm
1
as in illusions
a conception or image created by the imagination and having no objective reality frightened by the phantasms of his own making

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in apparitions
the soul of a dead person thought of especially as appearing to living people believed that she'd seen the phantasm of her father on the anniversary of his death

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for phantasms
  1. illusions
  2. apparitions
  3. visions
  4. spirits
  5. dreams
  6. ghosts
  7. fantasies
  8. shadows
Noun
  • Published in the journal Computers in Human Behavior, 95 people—Millennial and Gen Z men and women, all of whom had a history of using Instagram for an average of eight years—underwent a virtual reality experience called body illusions.
    — Nicole Karlis, Allure, 14 Aug. 2026
  • But Zinn’s illusions in the war, challenged already by lefties in the ranks and by seeing his friends killed, were permanently put to rest due to the bombing of Royan.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of illusions
Noun
  • 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
Definition of apparitions
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
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
  • Apart from the condition in the bottles, the liquid in them is the stuff of collectors’ wildest dreams.
    — Tony Sachs, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • With her big dreams and determination, Shyniyah hopes to one day become the President of the United States.
    — The Star, Kansas City Star, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of dreams
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
  • Paul Anthony Kelly looks comfortable traversing both fantasies.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The Acton teen accused of killing his mother and younger brother after first working out his violent fantasies through chats with the AI bot ChatGPT was ordered held without bail.
    — Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of fantasies
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
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.

Browse Nearby Words

phantasmic
phantasms
phantom
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Cite this Entry

“Phantasms.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phantasms. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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