Synonym Chooser

How does the noun delusion contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of delusion are hallucination, illusion, and mirage. While all these words mean "something that is believed to be true or real but that is actually false or unreal," 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 hallucination be used instead of delusion?

While in some cases nearly identical to delusion, hallucination implies impressions that are the product of disordered senses, as because of mental illness or drugs.

suffered from terrifying hallucinations

Where would illusion be a reasonable alternative to delusion?

The synonyms illusion and delusion are sometimes interchangeable, but illusion implies a false ascribing of reality based on what one sees or imagines.

an illusion of safety

When is it sensible to use mirage instead of delusion?

The words mirage and delusion can be used in similar contexts, but 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 delusion 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 But poor casting was only half of it — Charles Walters' 1955 adaptation unfortunately reimagines the heroine as an irascible antisocial brat with delusions of grandeur, all explained away by bizarre contemporary psychoanalysis provided in voice-over. EW.com, 4 Mar. 2025 Parents or caregivers may witness erratic or dangerous behaviors in children experiencing delusions or hallucinations (sensing something that does not exist).6 20. Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for delusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for delusion
Noun
  • Yet there are filmmakers who fall prey to the illusion too.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025
  • On far too many occasions, Watson chose deceit over candor, grasping for the illusion of business success and personal acclaim at any cost.
    Peter White, Deadline, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The lone creator is a myth that goes back a long time in art history.
    Jay Cheshes, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Wielding Excalibur, the sword of myth, Gawain grows more powerful as the sun rises, reaching peak strength at midday.
    Alan Yuhas, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • This system must be a dream in Germany or France, or in states like Minnesota that maintain their roads to the highest EU standards.
    Mark Ewing, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Getting a glimpse into Garten’s life story is fascinating, and her cheerful demeanor and can-do attitude will galvanize you to chase your dreams.
    Meg Zukin, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The lawsuit claims medical errors happened during the procedure, which led to the bowel perforation.
    Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2025
  • All the results were just outside margins of error.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Yet the notion of a business jet operating at Mach 5 remained a sci-fi fantasy.
    Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Instead of obsessively trying to recreate the original, Lowery takes the bones of the first film — a classic boy and his dragon tale — and crafts something fresh, a charming environmentalist fantasy that’s both gentle and heartfelt.
    Staff Author, EW.com, 22 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Individuals with this intense flying phobia might engage in different rituals or superstitions to get ready for a flight, Taylor said.
    Cathy Cassata, Health, 4 Mar. 2025
  • In times of uncertainty, strategic use of superstitions can counteract confusion and paralysis.
    Jonathon Keats, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • An oppressively frequent voiceover tips us off to the roiling thoughts within, which swing between daydreams of an earlier cunnilingus-loving boyfriend and pleas toward Steve to touch her again.
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Where Babygirl explores the power dynamics and kink potential of an age difference, and The Idea of You leans on the age gap as a kind of escapist daydream, Bridget Jones offers an Everywoman’s version.
    Allison P. Davis, Vulture, 6 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • He is haunted by visions and night terrors involving Anne and his late mentor, Cardinal Wolsey (Jonathan Pryce), who was executed by King Henry’s orders in the first season.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Detective Lee Yeon-hui (played by Shin Hyun-been of Hospital Playlist and Reborn Rich) is assigned to the case and also chases after the suspect, all the while being tormented by visions of her dead sister.
    Regina Kim, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Delusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delusion. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

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