phantasmagoric

[ fan-taz-muh-gawr-ik, -gor- ]

adjective

1. having a fantastic or deceptive appearance, as something in a dream or created by the imagination.
2. having the appearance of an optical illusion, especially one produced by a magic lantern.
3. changing or shifting, as a scene made up of many elements.

Other Words From

• phan·tas·ma·gor·i·cal·ly adverb
• phan·tas·ma·go·ri·al·ly phan·tas·ma·go·ri·an·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of phantasmagoric¹

First recorded in 1800–10; phantasmagor(ia) ( def ) + -ic ( def )

Example Sentences

Ali makes these sort of phantasmagoric horror films, in a way.

From Los Angeles Times

That two-and-a-half-minute-long video — Bushnell’s digital suicide note — is horrifying, phantasmagoric, and familiar in equal measure.

From Salon

Set in the aftermath of the first movie, the sequel resumes the story boldly and quickly, delivering visions both phantasmagoric and familiar.

From New York Times

The costumes of the cachaceros, representing Africans, are phantasmagoric confections of old jaguar pelts, caiman skulls and peccary teeth.

From New York Times

Mr. Cojocaru had grown up in Nucsoara, but only as he walked the hills and ancient pastures did he notice the trees: beeches, phantasmagorically gnarled giants, some as old as 500 years.

From New York Times