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

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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

Examples 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 The ceramic shakers are designed so the base of the rabbit fits neatly in the top of the hat, referencing the classic illusion. —

Adam Tschorn, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024 Just in time, Toto tears back the curtain to reveal a mere man, pulling the levers to maintain the illusion. —

Dan Bekerman, Deadline, 1 Nov. 2024 This transit also encourages us to confront illusions and emotional blockages while cultivating a deeper connection with our intuition and creativity. —

Valerie Mesa, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024 Given that environment, Trump advisers aren’t under any illusions. —

Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for illusion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for illusion

Noun

The support of the community as The Novel Refuge went from a dream to a reality has been amazing.

Jonathan M. Pitts, Baltimore Sun, 28 Nov. 2024
From kitchen gadgets to smart home devices, Amazon has thousands of Black Friday deals on items that make your space a dream to return to.

Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 28 Nov. 2024