Synonym Chooser

How does the noun hallucination contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of hallucination are delusion, illusion, and mirage. While all these words mean "something that is believed to be true or real but that is actually false or unreal," hallucination implies impressions that are the product of disordered senses, as because of mental illness or drugs.

suffered from terrifying hallucinations

When is it sensible to use delusion instead of hallucination?

The words delusion and hallucination are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, delusion implies an inability to distinguish between what is real and what only seems to be real, often as the result of a disordered state of mind.

delusions of persecution

When can illusion be used instead of hallucination?

Although the words illusion and hallucination have much in common, illusion implies a false ascribing of reality based on what one sees or imagines.

an illusion of safety

When is mirage a more appropriate choice than hallucination?

While in some cases nearly identical to hallucination, mirage in its extended sense applies to an illusory vision, dream, hope, or aim.

claimed a balanced budget is a mirage

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of hallucination Apple has also acknowledged the possibility of AI hallucinations being an issue with its future products. Will McCurdy, PCMAG, 27 Oct. 2024 Shunned at the school gates and cast as the witch at the school re-enactment, Nic is experiencing hallucinations. K.j. Yossman, Variety, 22 Oct. 2024 Those who consume it are plunged into vivid hallucinations, often preceded by a loud buzzing noise, that last between 24 and 48 hours. Shayla Love, The Atlantic, 20 Oct. 2024 While there, the AI has an AI hallucination and opts to sign you up for additional services, rather than canceling your existing service. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hallucination 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hallucination
Noun
  • Spot black swans, clash unlike things together, design bold alternatives, find hidden loopholes, and craft first-mover illusions.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Missing Movies argues that while streaming services offer the illusion of unlimited options and choice, there are many films that are still unavailable, and archivists are still vital to the industry.
    Brian Welk, IndieWire, 6 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Her daughter isn’t quite willing to let such delusions stand.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Oh, that delusion also spreads to her Cinco de Mayo party.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Coronado / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images file The result is an arena with ambitions as lofty as the franchise’s dreams of winning a first NBA championship.
    Andrew Greif, NBC News, 6 Nov. 2024
  • Impossible pie is a dream dessert for the people who love custard pies and coconut, as these are the dominant flavors of the recipe.
    Darcy Lenz, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The book also features jewels that recall armor, and ones that are inspired by royals, popes, Greek myths and antiquity.
    Samantha Conti, WWD, 4 Nov. 2024
  • Dispelling these myths is vital for a clearer understanding of human trafficking and stronger prevention efforts.
    Kim Elsesser, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The scene feels more like fantasy than reality, perhaps a daydream or hallucination conjured from one of Lois’s alcoholic hazes.
    Jen Chaney, Vulture, 3 Oct. 2024
  • Wine & Travel France is an armchair traveler’s delight, inspiring daydreams as well as vacation plans.
    Laura Manske, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • While not massively common, losing your kit due to a loading error is very frustrating in a game like Tarkov, so any improvements to reduce the chances of that happening are always going to be a positive.
    Mike Stubbs, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
  • The results were delayed further because of a tabulation error, though both parties were consulted on the decision to recount nearly 30,000 ballots.
    Hope Karnopp, Journal Sentinel, 19 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • What that means is two-fold: a series that captures Game of Thrones’s extensive, fantasy world-building and the drama of political succession and a show dropping on HBO’s premier Sunday night spot that everyone wants to talk about the morning after.
    Alex Abad-Santos, Vox, 18 Nov. 2024
  • The fantasy thriller is from Emmy winner Lucia Puenzo.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Standing on the ground with nothing blocking our vision, our eyes can see about 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) of the horizon.
    Discover Magazine, Discover Magazine, 15 Nov. 2024
  • Jeff’s vision for the New Era game seems to be to dilute the opportunity for strategy and politics as much as possible and replace it with a weeklong bender at Foxwoods that comes with a voucher for unlimited pigs in a blanket.
    Emma Sharpe, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near hallucination

Cite this Entry

“Hallucination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hallucination. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!