spectral

adjective

Definition of spectralnext
as in haunting
of, relating to, or suggestive of a ghost They spotted a spectral figure in the window of the old abandoned house.

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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 spectral Scientists can pore over these spectral fingerprints to reconstruct what elements created them and in what quantities. — Rahul Rao, Space.com, 23 July 2026 She’s represented here by a woman dematerializing headfirst, seemingly outlived only by her pendulous breasts, and a sparse landscape where a spectral figure peeks up from the bottom edge. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 15 July 2026 This chamber spotlights the prevalence and power of the spectral and supernatural in film, with ghosts serving as inspiration for special and visual effects innovation. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 8 July 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spectral
  1. haunting
  2. eerie
  3. creepy
  4. phantom
  5. ghostly
  6. weird
  7. supernatural
Adjective
  • There’s nothing more haunting than walking on those beautiful soundstages that are ghost towns.
    — Antonio Ferme, Variety, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Despite lingering radiation, Pripyat draws photographers and history enthusiasts eager to witness one of the most complete—and haunting—portraits of a city abruptly frozen.
    — Kieron Marchese, Architectural Digest, 27 July 2026
Definition of haunting
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, moviegoers took to social media to share snaps of themselves waiting in line for hours outside their local cineplexes, hoping to score IMAX 70mm tickets for the eerie Frank Herbert adaptation.
    — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026
  • And thanks to K-pop stars using the site as a photoshoot, TV series and music video backdrop, this eerie space has a new lease on life.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of eerie
Adjective
  • There’s also a quick flash of a creepy figure wearing a fluffy rabbit mask while holding a gun and standing next to a bridge with a skull painted on it.
    — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Long nozzle Most people would prefer to keep a healthy distance from creepy crawlies.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of creepy
Adjective
  • The rush to capitalize on AI developers’ seemingly bottomless demand for computing power has produced some phantom projects and long-shot pitches.
    — Matt Day, Fortune, 18 Aug. 2026
  • In a new cross-sectional study, researchers at Istanbul Medipol University in Türkiye set out to explain the neuroscience behind these phantom earthquake sensations.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of phantom
Adjective
  • Mops of ghostly streamers, some of them longer than my arm, were waving like tentacles atop layers of black muck.
    — James Dinneen, New Yorker, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Roth asks in one, referencing the ghostly figure careening overhead.
    — Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of ghostly
Adjective
  • But Fried’s thought is far too varied and weird—closer to Manny Farber’s than Clement Greenberg’s—to permit dogmatic religiosity for long.
    — Carlos Valladares, ARTnews.com, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The power did something weird, and the lights kind of exploded almost.
    — Rashad Williams, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of weird
Adjective
  • In fact, the team had a full biscuit guide to ensure the lions always looked just right—never supernatural or oversaturated.
    — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The film blends contemporary Mandopop, ancient mythology, comedy and supernatural adventure.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of supernatural

Browse Nearby Words

spectra
spectral
spectrum
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Cite this Entry

“Spectral.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spectral. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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