illusion

noun

i-ˈlü-zhən How to pronounce illusion (audio)
Definition of illusionnext
1
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
2
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

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

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 illusion The narrow bezel and dial elements pushed to the outer edge create an illusion of size, making the watch appear larger on the wrist than its dimensions suggest. — Bhanu Chopra, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025 Serta down illusion hypoallergenic pillow: $34.99 (Amazon) Known for its hypoallergenic properties, the Serta down illusion pillow is an option for those with allergies. — Jené Luciani Sena, Fox News, 5 Mar. 2025 When placed strategically, an oversized floor mirror can open up a shoebox apartment and create the illusion of taller ceilings. — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 4 Mar. 2025 The 400-year-old fort is famed for its mirror work on the walls and 3D carvings creating illusions on its pillars. — Shalbha Sarda, Architectural Digest, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for illusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illusion
  1. dream
  2. delusion
  3. fantasy
  4. myth
  5. daydream
  6. error
  7. vision
  8. unreality
Noun
  • Steven joined his father’s team as a walk-on in 2019 and shared during media day that playing for his dad was always a dream of his.
    — Alexandra Hurtado, People.com, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Still shopping around for the house of your dreams?
    — Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 22 Mar. 2025
Definition of dream
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
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of fantasy
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of myth
Noun
  • The entries are a mixture of sense memory, adolescent embarrassment, nostalgic fashions and foods, daydreams, and anything else that falls through the sieve of Brainard’s disarmingly casual syntax.
    — David S. Wallace, The New Yorker, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Panda Bear: Sinister Grift [Domino] Noah Lennox brings the sunshine—and, for the first time on a Panda Bear album, nearly all of his Animal Collective bandmates—on Sinister Grift, an album of spongy psychedelic daydreams and melodies that yearn and enchant.
    — Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of daydream
Noun
  • Naturally, the usual delays, misunderstandings and errors in communication are all common when Mercury retrogrades, but when in a sign like Aries, these moments are more likely to be louder, bolder and triggering.
    — Valerie Mesa, People.com, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Except that is a simplification of what the original dialogue says, and a localization error with big consequences.
    — Rafael Motamayor, IndieWire, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of error
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
  • This vision aligns with the broader trend of AI tools reducing technical barriers and allowing creators to focus on creative aspects rather than technical execution.
    — Ian Shepherd, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of vision
Noun
  • Julie Andrews sells The Sound of Music with her effervescent performance, and the wooden, awkward bits around her are, now, almost endearing — a kitschy self-own acknowledging the unreality of the whole operation.
    — Will Leitch, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Conor’s passionately absorbing, poignantly observed self-refraction from individuality into idiosyncrasy lends his very reality an air of unreality.
    — Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 7 Feb. 2025
Definition of unreality

Phrases Containing illusion

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ill-using
illusion
illusionist
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Cite this Entry

“Illusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illusion. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on illusion

Nglish: Translation of illusion for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about illusion

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