ILLUSORY Synonyms: 74 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'illusory' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of illusory are apparent , ostensible , and seeming . While all these words mean "not actually being what appearance indicates," illusory implies a false impression based on deceptive resemblance or faulty observation, or influenced by emotions that prevent a clear view. // an illusory sense of security

Q: When is 'apparent' a more appropriate choice than 'illusory'?

The synonyms apparent and illusory are sometimes interchangeable, but apparent suggests appearance to unaided senses that may or may not be borne out by more rigorous examination or greater knowledge. // the apparent cause of the accident

Q: When is it sensible to use 'ostensible' instead of 'illusory'?

The meanings of ostensible and illusory largely overlap; however, ostensible suggests a discrepancy between an openly declared or naturally implied aim or reason and the true one. // the ostensible reason for their visit

Q: When could 'seeming' be used to replace 'illusory'?

While the synonyms seeming and illusory are close in meaning, seeming implies a character in the thing observed that gives it the appearance, sometimes through intent, of something else. // the seeming simplicity of the story

illusory

adjective

Definition of illusory next

as in imaginary

formal based on something that is not true or real; based on an illusion an illusory hope an illusory sense of security

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How does the adjective illusory contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of illusory are apparent, ostensible, and seeming. While all these words mean "not actually being what appearance indicates," illusory implies a false impression based on deceptive resemblance or faulty observation, or influenced by emotions that prevent a clear view.

an illusory sense of security

When is apparent a more appropriate choice than illusory?

The synonyms apparent and illusory are sometimes interchangeable, but apparent suggests appearance to unaided senses that may or may not be borne out by more rigorous examination or greater knowledge.

the apparent cause of the accident

When is it sensible to use ostensible instead of illusory?

The meanings of ostensible and illusory largely overlap; however, ostensible suggests a discrepancy between an openly declared or naturally implied aim or reason and the true one.

the ostensible reason for their visit

When could seeming be used to replace illusory?

While the synonyms seeming and illusory are close in meaning, seeming implies a character in the thing observed that gives it the appearance, sometimes through intent, of something else.

the seeming simplicity of the story

Examples of illusory in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Recent Examples on the Web To this end, the West should abandon its policy of patronage and blind support for the bad behavior of regional clients in the name of contending with an illusory Iranian threat. —

Mohammad Javad Zarif, Foreign Affairs, 22 Jan. 2021 Helping to tackle these endemic issues is more worthwhile than the pursuit of an illusory pact that will leave the United States worse off than before. —

Frederic Wehrey, Foreign Affairs, 17 Sep. 2024 At the center of the milky green lens, where the radiating emerald color was most concentrated, an illusory pupil gazed out from an infinite depth. —

Tara Anne Dalbow, ARTnews.com, 3 Sep. 2024 The Act of Killing director uses an allegorical family to probe a different kind of psychological violence, one padded by the illusory comfort of money. —

Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for illusory

Recent Examples of Synonyms for illusory

Adjective

Unable to enjoy the same freedom as past generations of kids (for example, playing on sidewalks or roaming freely in the countryside), these early 2000s kids were carving out freedom in virtual or imaginary spaces.

Aytekin Tank, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
Trump’s coattails may be imaginary at this point, but the insiders on the ground in Michigan know this reality: at this point in 2016—two weeks before Election Day—Hillary Clinton was up 8 points on Trump; Clinton lost by one-third of 1 point when the votes were actually counted.

Philip Elliott / Detroit, TIME, 22 Oct. 2024