What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
haunter
Example
The old mansion was said to be haunted by the ghost of its former owner, who was a notorious haunter. [haunter: noun]
Example
The memories of her childhood continue to haunt her, making it difficult for her to move on. [haunt: verb]
specter
Example
The villagers were terrified by the specter of a headless horseman that appeared on the road at night. [specter: noun]
Example
The specter of war loomed over the country, causing widespread anxiety and fear. [specter: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Specter is more commonly used than haunter in everyday language. Specter is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while haunter is less common and refers to a specific type of persistent presence.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between haunter and specter?
Both haunter and specter are associated with a formal or literary tone, although specter may be used more frequently in everyday language due to its versatility.
