1
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in delusion
a false idea or belief
he had no illusions about how much effort and money the renovation project would require
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of illusion
In today’s culture, the illusion of perfection is losing its appeal—and the wedding world mirrors this shift.
—
Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
In order to do that, the coat itself is part of the illusion.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 19 May 2025
This apparent wartime boom sustained the illusion of normalcy.
—Andrei Yakovlev, Foreign Affairs, 16 May 2025
Agencies encourage the illusion of such bonds while controlling nearly every aspect of the idols’ real lives.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for illusion
Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
In order to do that, the coat itself is part of the illusion.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 19 May 2025
This apparent wartime boom sustained the illusion of normalcy.
—Andrei Yakovlev, Foreign Affairs, 16 May 2025
Agencies encourage the illusion of such bonds while controlling nearly every aspect of the idols’ real lives.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for illusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illusion
Noun
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On this episode of Dinner SOS, Chris and Kendra help listeners plan the dinner party menu of their dreams!—
Bon Appétit,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
21 May 2025
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Studying at Columbia—the home of such Palestinian scholars as Edward Said and Rashid Khalidi—had always been a dream of Khalil’s.—
Aida Alami,
New Yorker,
21 May 2025
Noun
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Researchers noted the positive effects of ecstatic epilepsy and synthesized fifty-three theoretical models of delusion.—
Rafil Kroll-Zaidi,
Harpers Magazine,
22 May 2025
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But planted within that picture was a glimmer of hope — or maybe delusion — for Sabres fans.—
Matthew Fairburn,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
Noun
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Don’t worry, in this fantasy relationship Briney’s character Conrad is all yours, no messy love triangle!—
Ana Calderone,
People.com,
25 May 2025
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The law that fantasy football supposedly broke was the prohibition on gambling on sporting events, a line that was blurred by fantasy leagues’ use of cash entries and prizes.—
David Hill,
Rolling Stone,
24 May 2025
Noun
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There are several myths that certain foods are bad for thyroid function, including gluten and cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, brussels sprouts, and cauliflower).—
Patty Weasler,
Verywell Health,
27 May 2025
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Historically, fonio carries deep reverence and myth.—
Osayi Endolyn,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
27 May 2025
Noun
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And so, what was once a lazy, crazy, charming afternoon daydream of a movie is now a frantic, insistent, often unfunny sci-fi comedy.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
21 May 2025
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As the narrative unfolds, her mundane tasks take a playful turn, with suggestive dance moves punctuating her daydreams, until Wheeler suddenly appears unannounced, leaving both characters caught in a moment of shy intrigue.—
Isabela Raygoza,
Billboard,
13 May 2025
Noun
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Only one major-league third baseman, the San Diego Padres’ Manny Machado, has more errors than Muncy’s eight through his first 49 games of the season.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
27 May 2025
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The poll of 1,136 Democrats carries a margin of error of plus or minus 2.89 percentage points.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 May 2025
Noun
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According to a statement obtained by PEOPLE that was then posted on his Instagram, Billy's NPH has been made worse by recent concert performances, leading to problems with his hearing, vision and balance.—
Nicholas Rice,
People.com,
25 May 2025
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Only Bay, Stahelski, Chow, and Snyder create ingenious, breakneck visions of force.—
Armond White,
National Review,
23 May 2025
Noun
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An eerie sense of unreality runs through The Plague, which premiered at Cannes in the Un Certain Regard sidebar.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
HollywoodReporter,
16 May 2025
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The movie itself is something of a trip; everything feels coated in a faint, menacing sheen of unreality, as if a slasher movie were just a wild twist or two away.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
16 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illusion. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
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