ILLUSION Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

illusion

noun

i-ˈlü-zhən

Definition of illusion next

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

truth
verity

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 While the illusion of stability may hold for now, excluding future aspirational buyers could undermine the industry down the road. —

Benjamin Voyer, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025 Specifically, shampoos that prevent future damage, address conditions related to hair loss, and create the illusion of thicker, fuller strands are all great options for people with thin hair. —

Sara Coughlin, SELF, 21 Jan. 2025 But Biden’s presidency will also be remembered for four big illusions — and four big deceptions. —

Bret Stephens, The Mercury News, 18 Jan. 2025 The low-hanging chandelier one spies when first entering the shop used to dangle inside the Mansion itself, having to be removed when more illusions were added. —

Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for illusion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for illusion

Noun

There are reasons to be watchful of the relationship between the tech industry and the Right. Tech billionaires dream of reinventing our world.

— Jack Butler, National Review, 2 Feb. 2025
Now Mission: Impossible actress Hayley Atwell has shared that her co-star and producer was also fulfilling a lifelong dream.

— Caroline Frost, Deadline, 2 Feb. 2025