illusory

adjective

il·​lu·​so·​ry i-ˈlü-sə-rē  -ˈlü-zə- 

-ˈlüs-,

-ˈlüz-

: based on or producing illusion : deceptive

illusory hopes

illusorily

i-ˈlü-sə-rə-lē 

-ˈlü-zə-;

-ˈlüs-

-ˈlüz-

adverb

illusoriness

i-ˈlü-sə-rē-nəs 

-ˈlü-zə-;

-ˈlüs-

-ˈlüz-

noun

Choose the Right Synonym for illusory

apparent, illusory, seeming, ostensible mean not actually being what appearance indicates.

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

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

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

ostensible suggests a discrepancy between an openly declared or naturally implied aim or reason and the true one.

the ostensible reason for their visit

Examples of illusory in a Sentence

an illusory sense of security

Recent Examples on the Web

In the two years leading up to the July election, everyday life in Venezuela seemed to be improving, even if only in illusory, unsustainable ways. —Gisela Salim-Peyer, The Atlantic, 21 Dec. 2024

Trump, however, defends himself with illusory conspiracy theories, political propaganda, disinformation, misinformation, lies, and character assassination. —Thomas Cangelosi, Hartford Courant, 15 Dec. 2024

Ahlgren’s recent sentencing of 27-months in prison should stand as a stark reminder that the promise of anonymity in the digital world is often illusory—and untraceable laundering strategies, more often than not, prove to be anything but. —Andrew Leahey, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024

Matt Angle, a Texas Democratic operative active in several congressional campaigns and other races dating back more than three decades, said much of the Republican gains in South Texas are illusory. —John C. Moritz, Austin American-Statesman, 29 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1631, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

illusory

adjective

il·​lu·​so·​ry il-ˈüs-(ə-)rē 

-ˈüz-

: based on or producing illusion : deceptive

an illusory hope

Medical Definition

illusory

adjective

il·​lu·​so·​ry il-ˈüs-(ə-)rē  -ˈüz- 

: based on or producing illusion : being deceptive

the search for the ultimate cure-all for a hangover has proved illusory

—M. L. Herndon

Legal Definition

illusory

adjective

il·​lu·​so·​ry i-ˈlü-sə-rē, -zə-rē 

: likely to mislead or deceive : false, deceptive

an illusory plea bargain leading to a longer sentence than expected