mirage

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun mirage contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of mirage are delusion, hallucination, and illusion. While all these words mean "something that is believed to be true or real but that is actually false or unreal," mirage in its extended sense applies to an illusory vision, dream, hope, or aim.

claimed a balanced budget is a mirage

Where would delusion be a reasonable alternative to mirage?

The words delusion and mirage can be used in similar contexts, but 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 mirage?

In some situations, the words hallucination and mirage 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 can illusion be used instead of mirage?

While the synonyms illusion and mirage are close in meaning, illusion implies a false ascribing of reality based on what one sees or imagines.

an illusion of safety

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 mirage Unlike in 2020, local officials now have more time to process mail ballots, possibly leading to fewer delays and a less severe red mirage. Sara Dorn, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 The artist and Buddhist leader is himself a mirage. Joseph Bien-Kahn, Rolling Stone, 3 Nov. 2024 Stefan Hedlund, director of research at the Centre for Russian and Eurasian Studies at Uppsala University, thinks Russia’s growth figures are a mirage clouded by Russia’s wartime spending, which has artificially inflated GDP. Jason Ma, Fortune Europe, 14 Oct. 2024 Yet, Helene has once more reminded the rest of the country that the sense of security in the mountains is a mirage. Justin McBrien / Made By History, TIME, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mirage 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mirage
Noun
  • Bohemian daydream Boho’s been back for almost a year now, but spring’s best runways have taken the aesthetic in its dreamiest direction yet.
    Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 18 Dec. 2024
  • The series was often praised for its cutaway sequences tied to the daydreams of Braff’s character, J.D., with Braff also serving as the series’ narrator.
    Joe Otterson, Variety, 5 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • After an overtime Super Bowl win, a star tight end kissed his girlfriend, the world's most successful pop star, as confetti flew—the stuff dreams are made of.
    Gord Magill, Newsweek, 22 Dec. 2024
  • For years, he’s been trading their good, young players and draft picks for a dream.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Even without the illusion, the cabin is good and spacious.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Dec. 2024
  • Because at 200 feet, the FAA requires warning lights and Disney Imagineers (Disney’s word for the engineers, creatives, and designers who dream, build, and product experiences in Disney Parks) did not want to break the illusion of being transported to another world.
    Deanne Revel, Southern Living, 26 Dec. 2024

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Thesaurus Entries Near mirage

Cite this Entry

“Mirage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mirage. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on mirage

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