phantom

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This appears to be an almost phantom trend: one where the reaction to it largely eclipses the impact the trend itself was having on social media.

From BBC • Mar. 9, 2026

They concluded that the chatbots appropriately identified problematic prompts, like a feeling of being watched by phantom people or feeling personally persecuted by the government, as a developing delusion only about half the time.

From Slate • Feb. 2, 2026

If the 300 billion figure is more phantom than real, it would mean that Venezuelan oil won’t pose nearly as much competition long-term to its closest competitor: Canadian heavy oil.

From Barron's • Jan. 6, 2026

Perhaps this was identity theft, but it’s also possible brokers submitted fake Social Security numbers to enroll ineligible or phantom people in plans.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 7, 2025

In idle moments her thoughts turned to Dr. Claytor and the phantom career he had assiduously prepared her for.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly