Synonyms of illusory

illusory

adjective

as in imaginary

formal based on something that is not true or real; based on an illusion

an illusory hope

an illusory sense of security

Synonyms & Similar Words

• imaginary
• unreal
• ideal
• imagined
• invented
• imaginal
• unlikely
• delusive
• surreal
• deceptive
• abstract
• phantasmagorical
• hallucinatory
• mythic
• chimerical
• fantastical
• fictitious
• phantasmagoric
• delusional
• phantasmal
• phantom
• fictional
• mythical
• fanciful
• make-believe
• chimeric
• phantasmic
• notional
• hypothetical
• fantasied
• theoretic
• romantic
• theoretical
• fabled
• legendary
• pretend
• daydreamlike
• visionary
• unbelievable
• made-up
• unconvincing
• fabulous
• fantastic
• nonexistent
• fictive
• envisioned
• visualized
• conceived
• envisaged
• feigned
• concocted
• fabricated
• pictured
• inexistent

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• true
• genuine
• authentic
• factual
• realistic
• physical
• verifiable
• substantial
• convincing
• solid
• real
• corporeal
• believable
• tangible
• actual
• material
• palpable
• existing
• existent
• verified

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective illusory contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of illusory are apparent, ostensible, and seeming. While all these words mean "not actually being what appearance indicates," illusory implies a false impression based on deceptive resemblance or faulty observation, or influenced by emotions that prevent a clear view.

an illusory sense of security

When is apparent a more appropriate choice than illusory?

The synonyms apparent and illusory are sometimes interchangeable, but apparent suggests appearance to unaided senses that may or may not be borne out by more rigorous examination or greater knowledge.

the apparent cause of the accident

When is it sensible to use ostensible instead of illusory?

The meanings of ostensible and illusory largely overlap; however, ostensible suggests a discrepancy between an openly declared or naturally implied aim or reason and the true one.

the ostensible reason for their visit

When could seeming be used to replace illusory?

While the synonyms seeming and illusory are close in meaning, seeming implies a character in the thing observed that gives it the appearance, sometimes through intent, of something else.

the seeming simplicity of the story

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of illusory

Instead of an illusory peace, Washington should help Ukraine determine the rules of engagement with Russia, and through these rules, the war could gradually be minimized. —Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025

But that moment of enjoyment is only a brief, illusory respite from Ahmet’s laborious responsibilities herding sheep and caring for his kid brother Naim (Agush Agushev), the picture of innocence and adorableness, who hasn’t spoken since their mother died. —Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 25 Jan. 2025

Exploring the theme of alternate worlds, Lynch thrusts Madison into an illusory realm inhabited by killers, drug dealers and pornographers by merging his identity into that of young mechanic named Pete Dayton. —Billy J. Stratton, The Conversation, 17 Jan. 2025

After a national Senate election in which Cruz’s closing pitch focused on the illusory threat of naked men in high school girls’ locker rooms, Texas Republicans have also filed dozens of anti-trans bills, the Dallas Observer reported. —Saul Elbein, The Hill, 30 Dec. 2024