phantom

noun
UK: /ˈfæntəm/
US: /ˈfæntəm/

  1. A ghost or apparition; something that appears to be real but is not.

    1. I saw a phantom in my dream last night and it was so scary.
    2. The memories of the past haunted him like a phantom, always present.

  2. Something that exists only in the mind; an illusion or delusion.

    1. The team's lead was just a phantom, quickly vanishing in the second half.
    2. Success felt like a phantom, always just out of reach despite his efforts.

  3. A faint or shadowy appearance or representation.

    1. A phantom of a smile crossed her lips, then was gone just as quickly.
    2. The old photograph showed only a phantom of the person he once knew.

Synonyms

ghost shadow delusion apparition image specter illusion
phantom adjective

  1. Appearing like a phantom; resembling a ghost; unreal.

    1. She saw a phantom light flickering in the distance last night.
    2. The old house had a phantom quality, seeming to disappear in the fog.

  2. Existing in appearance only; illusory.

    1. The company reported phantom profits that boosted its stock price for a time.
    2. He chased a phantom promise of wealth, but ended up losing everything.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "phantom" in English means: A ghost or apparition; something that appears to be real but is not., Something that exists only in the mind; an illusion or delusion., A faint or shadowy appearance or representation..

The phonetic transcription of "phantom" is /ˈfæntəm/ in British English and /ˈfæntəm/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "phantom": ghost, shadow, delusion, apparition, image, specter, illusion.

Example usage of "phantom": "I saw a phantom in my dream last night and it was so scary.". More examples on the page.