as in spectral
of or relating to a ghost
A ghostly figure appears in the house at night.
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Recent Examples of ghostly
Digital bats trail light through the cave, passing bodies leave ghostly traces and a dancer materializes in space.
—
ABC News,
16 June 2026
Legend says a ghostly force pulls cars uphill, though science offers a less supernatural explanation.
—
Skye Sherman,
Southern Living,
16 June 2026
The ghostly character doesn't have a particularly significant role in the story, but is a constant nuisance in the tapestry of Hogwarts with antics that include throwing things, making messes, pulling pranks, and generally causing mischief that enrages caretaker Argus Filch.
—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 June 2026
The ghostly, glowing image appears at a monumental size, bathing the faces of those who look out at it in a blue-green light.
—
Jenny Odell,
Longreads,
2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ghostly
ABC News,
16 June 2026
Legend says a ghostly force pulls cars uphill, though science offers a less supernatural explanation.
—
Skye Sherman,
Southern Living,
16 June 2026
The ghostly character doesn't have a particularly significant role in the story, but is a constant nuisance in the tapestry of Hogwarts with antics that include throwing things, making messes, pulling pranks, and generally causing mischief that enrages caretaker Argus Filch.
—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 June 2026
The ghostly, glowing image appears at a monumental size, bathing the faces of those who look out at it in a blue-green light.
—
Jenny Odell,
Longreads,
2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ghostly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ghostly
Adjective
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Unfortunately, the costs of this fleeting spectral wonder are high, borne by negative consequences for our environment and our health.
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The visual intersperses footage from a trip the pair took to Iceland with clips of their Upstate New York home, a fitting backdrop to Sprague’s spectral vocals and wandering synth arcs.
Adjective
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Maddock said the state should see a $2 million increase to the school aid budget and cuts to what Republicans call phantom jobs or phantom employees, positions that are budgeted for but have remained unfilled.
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Other times, a phantom string quartet warmed up.
Cite this Entry
“Ghostly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ghostly. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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