Phantasmal

Phantasmal describes something illusory, spectral, or resembling a phantom. It evokes a sense of unreality, dreamlike qualities, or insubstantiality, often associated with ghostly apparitions, figments of imagination, or things that appear and disappear. The term implies a fleeting, transient, and possibly frightening presence, blurring the lines between what is real and what is not. It suggests an experience that is vivid yet ultimately unreal or intangible, leaving a lasting impression despite its ethereal nature.

Phantasmal meaning with examples

• As the old lighthouse keeper's tales echoed in the storm, phantasmal figures seemed to dance in the swirling fog. The sailors felt the chilling presence, unsure if it was a trick of the light or something truly beyond human comprehension, a chilling reminder of lost vessels and their crews. It left a lasting impact on those who heard it.
• The flickering candlelight cast phantasmal shadows across the antique furniture, transforming familiar objects into grotesque shapes. Her imagination conjured monsters from the darkness. Her childhood bedroom became a realm of unknown fears, her imagination running wild as she stayed up past her bedtime. Her imagination started running wild as she stayed up late.
• Waking from a fever dream, she recalled a phantasmal journey through a vibrant, alien landscape. The images, once so vivid, began to dissipate as she opened her eyes. The world faded as a phantasmal image began to blur. It left her with the lingering feeling that her mind was just playing a trick, but something still stuck with her.
• The artist's work was described as phantasmal, weaving together surreal imagery and vibrant colors. The paintings evoked emotions, making the viewer question reality. Critics marveled at the way she conjured forms, making them both striking and unsettling, questioning the nature of perception and the limits of human imagination.