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
  • An emphasis on local artisans can be seen in everything from the restaurant’s clay tableware to the spirits used in The Bar’s impressive craft cocktail list.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • While looks at the show leaned into the designer’s ethereal, romantic spirits, this was also an exercise in literary self-portraiture.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of spirits
Noun
  • After being acquitted on a technicality, the former leader encounters the ghosts of Mayan genocide victims as protests break out throughout the country in response to the verdict.
    — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
  • As life moves on, ghosts remain The suit against Fox filed by Zakrzewski's widow, Michelle Ross-Stanton, is still winding its way through the British legal system.
    — David Folkenflik, NPR, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of ghosts
Noun
  • Films can end up looking too bright or too clean, revealing details in the shadows that Kubrick never intended audiences to see.
    — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2026
  • The man’s collarbones no longer cast deep shadows at the base of his neck, Shawn noticed.
    — Rachel Heng, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of shadows
Noun
  • Choice ideas Donalds and Jolly have different visions for steering the state’s system of education.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The Brazilian presidential election, which kicks off with a first round of voting on October 4, gives citizens a choice between radically different visions of politics.
    — MATIAS SPEKTOR, Foreign Affairs, 2 Oct. 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 9 Oct. 2026.

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