hallucination

noun

hə-ˌlü-sə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce hallucination (audio)
Definition of hallucinationnext
1
as in illusion
a conception or image created by the imagination and having no objective reality were the voices real, or merely a hallucination?

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in delusion
a false idea or belief the common hallucination that gluttony during the holiday season doesn't have consequences

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Example 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 In fact, on several prior occasions, Lam had dealt with hallucinations and delusions after not taking her medications. —Alex Gurley, People.com, 19 Feb. 2025 Eliminating hallucinations for a subset of answers is also super important. —Ayesha Javed, TIME, 16 Feb. 2025 Any moment of happiness is brief, though, as their hallucinations take a dark turn. —Michaela Zee, Variety, 22 Feb. 2025 The hallucinations then converge, with all three girls finding themselves in a high-school classroom with Lottie at the board. —Erin Qualey, Vulture, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hallucination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hallucination
  1. illusion
  2. delusion
  3. dream
  4. myth
  5. daydream
  6. error
  7. fantasy
  8. vision
Noun
  • The wide front porch gives the illusion that the open-plan living and kitchen area extends past the exterior walls, through the (optional) all-glass double doors to the great outdoors.
    — Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2025
  • The actress added square-toe boots and wore her blonde hair in a slicked style. 12 of 18 Alessandra Ambrosio For the Balenciaga Paris Fashion Week show, Alessandra Ambrosio opted for a navy blue sweater paired with illusion lingerie on the bottom.
    — Catherine Santino, People.com, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of illusion
Noun
  • The guests are just monkeys with delusions of grandeur and civilization.
    — Joe Joyce, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The series, produced by AMC Studios, is set within the delusion bubble of Silicon Valley.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of delusion
Noun
  • Kirkman, a senior at Stanford, is juggling his dream of being a world champion boxer with earning his degree Kirkman, a senior at Stanford, is juggling his dream of being a world champion boxer with earning his degree.
    — Nhat V. Meyer, The Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2025
  • One of my dreams come true will be happening under their watch.
    — Zack Sharf, Variety, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of dream
Noun
  • When the team compared the genetic obesity risk scores with the data gathered from the questionnaires, quite a few myths got busted.
    — Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Kennedy’s reaction to measles outbreaks alarms public health experts because the former lawyer embraces myths that vitamin A and cod liver oil are effective against the virus.
    — Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of myth
Noun
  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s new exhibition (March 25) takes a wary view of its own contents, which span half a millennium, arguing that the West acted out its daydreams of a docile Orient one cup-and-saucer at a time.
    — Shauna Lyon, The New Yorker, 28 Feb. 2025
  • If Viner and Rickman's selections are representative, Corrie was a compelling diarist, writing a blend of idealism, daydream and detailed observation.
    — Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 21 Sep. 2024
Definition of daydream
Noun
  • Except that is a simplification of what the original dialogue says, and a localization error with big consequences.
    — Rafael Motamayor, IndieWire, 15 Mar. 2025
  • This week, fans began to read into what was either a slip-up or an error on the Starfield Creations website that showed at least one mod, now deleted, as having a PS logo as well as Xbox and PC.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of error
Noun
  • Its packaging, a jewel-like blue bottle engraved with a golden lotus, looks like it was plucked from a fantasy apothecary in the night sky.
    — Jenny Berg, Allure, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The fantasy series, based on the novels by Robert Jordan, raises new stakes in its third season for Our Heroes.
    — Leigh Butler, TIME, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of fantasy
Noun
  • His lack of physical presence was an issue for O’Neil but his game is even further removed from Pereira’s vision of an ideal centre-back, so a parting of the ways there in the summer also appears likely.
    — Steve Madeley, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The four-time major winner was supportive of the project and even shared his vision of a tournament schedule for the eventual tour.
    — Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of vision

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Cite this Entry

“Hallucination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hallucination. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on hallucination

Nglish: Translation of hallucination for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hallucination

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