ILLUSION Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'illusion' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of illusion are delusion , hallucination , and mirage . While all these words mean "something that is believed to be true or real but that is actually false or unreal," illusion implies a false ascribing of reality based on what one sees or imagines. // an illusion of safety

Q: When is 'delusion' a more appropriate choice than 'illusion'?

While the synonyms delusion and illusion are close in meaning, 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

Q: When could 'hallucination' be used to replace 'illusion'?

In some situations, the words hallucination and illusion are roughly equivalent. However, hallucination implies impressions that are the product of disordered senses, as because of mental illness or drugs. // suffered from terrifying hallucinations

Q: When might 'mirage' be a better fit than 'illusion'?

The words mirage and illusion are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mirage in its extended sense applies to an illusory vision, dream, hope, or aim. // claimed a balanced budget is a mirage

illusion

noun

i-ˈlü-zhən

Definition of illusion next

as in dream

a conception or image created by the imagination and having no objective reality the magician specializes in creating illusions, so that people believe they have seen something when they really haven't

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in delusion

a false idea or belief he had no illusions about how much effort and money the renovation project would require

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

truth
verity

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun illusion contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of illusion are delusion, hallucination, and mirage. While all these words mean "something that is believed to be true or real but that is actually false or unreal," illusion implies a false ascribing of reality based on what one sees or imagines.

an illusion of safety

When is delusion a more appropriate choice than illusion?

While the synonyms delusion and illusion are close in meaning, 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 could hallucination be used to replace illusion?

In some situations, the words hallucination and illusion are roughly equivalent. However, hallucination implies impressions that are the product of disordered senses, as because of mental illness or drugs.

suffered from terrifying hallucinations

When might mirage be a better fit than illusion?

The words mirage and illusion are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 illusion The recession generated populist revolts on the right (the Tea Party movement) and the left (the Occupy movement), and made what had appeared to be broad public acceptance of pro-market bromides seem like an illusion. —

Nicholas Lemann, The New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2024 The movie, set in Vienna in 1900, starred Edward Norton as Eduard, who uses the stage name Eisenheim, whose increasingly elaborate illusions create an uproar in the imperial city with questions raised about the boundaries between illusion and reality. —

Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2024 Hex Vision meanwhile dematerialized along with the rest of the illusion Wanda had conjured. —

Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 26 Oct. 2024 Harry Potter and the Cursed Child features movement by Steven Hoggett, set by Christine Jones, costumes by Katrina Lindsay, music & arrangements by Imogen Heap, lighting by Neil Austin, sound by Gareth Fry, illusions and magic by Jamie Harrison, music supervision and arrangements by Martin Lowe. —

Caitlin Huston, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for illusion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for illusion

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
Now, to be opening inside of Denver Central Market is a dream come true.

Sara Rosenthal, The Denver Post, 5 Nov. 2024