DELUSION Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

delusion

noun

di-ˈlü-zhən

Definition of delusion next

as in illusion

a conception or image created by the imagination and having no objective reality her idea that her new man is a long lost prince is surely just a delusion

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in myth

a false idea or belief he appears to suffer from the delusion that he's the best reporter in the business

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

truth
verity

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 This results in interactions that can reinforce delusions, eventually leading to serious mental health episodes and dangerous medical beliefs. —

Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 8 Aug. 2025 Both artists were uninterested in the delusions that come with being attached to the mainstream music industry. —

Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 6 Aug. 2025 In this sense, the Acosta interview is just a product of what feels like a collective delusion. —

Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 18 Aug. 2025 But almost any retrospective coverage of anything in football — particularly, it must be said, from the 1990s — is so overwhelmingly positive to the point of delusion. —

Michael Cox, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for delusion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for delusion

Noun

The illusion of infinite choice online masks a narrowing of exposure to new ideas — millions scrolling different feeds, but being nudged toward the same few ways of thinking.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2025
The human cost of the illusion The illusion of AI personhood can potentially exact a heavy toll.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2025

Definition of illusion

Browse Nearby Words

deluging

delusion

delusional

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Articles Related to delusion

delulu

Delusional; audaciously self-confident

Delusion vs. Hallucination: An...

'Allusion' vs. 'Illusion'

Let there be no delusion

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“Delusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delusion. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.

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Last Updated: 3 Sep 2025 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of delusion

noun

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Example Sentences