Definition

Describing something that has a dream-like quality, often mixing real and imaginary elements, or showing rapid changes in light and color.

Example

The artist's painting was phantasmagoric, filled with swirling colors and surreal images that seemed to come alive.

Conversation

I just watched this movie that was really phantasmagoric in its visuals.

Oh really? That sounds intriguing!

Yeah, it felt like a dream with all the colors and shifting scenes.

I love movies that play with reality like that!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Phantasmagoric → It is formed from "phantasma" (from Greek "phantasma", meaning an apparition or ghost) and "-goric" (from Greek "agoria", meaning to speak or to convey). The word describes something that conveys or presents ghostly or dream-like images, often in a surreal or fantastical manner.

Memory Tip

Imagine a presentation of ghostly images ('phantasma') that speaks to your imagination ('-goric'). This helps you remember that 'phantasmagoric' refers to something that evokes a dream-like or surreal quality.

Visually Confused Words