ILLUSORY Synonyms: 74 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

illusory

adjective

Definition of illusory next

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

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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

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 illusory The developers have also added new skills related to the dodge roll, such as the ability to leave behind an illusory copy of your character to act as a decoy, which make the new mechanic feel essential to the modernized gameplay the sequel implements. —

Diego Argüello, Rolling Stone, 6 Dec. 2024 Instead of enjoying my time with them and living in the moment, I was preoccupied with trying to curate an illusory holiday vibe. —

Melissa Jean-Baptiste, refinery29.com, 21 Nov. 2024 In the two years leading up to the July election, everyday life in Venezuela seemed to be improving, even if only in illusory, unsustainable ways. —

Gisela Salim-Peyer, The Atlantic, 21 Dec. 2024 Trump, however, defends himself with illusory conspiracy theories, political propaganda, disinformation, misinformation, lies, and character assassination. —

Thomas Cangelosi, Hartford Courant, 15 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for illusory

Recent Examples of Synonyms for illusory

Adjective

If a planet is visible from the night side of Earth, it can only ever be seen along an imaginary path through the sky called the ecliptic.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Monday’s victory was only a month and a week removed from one of the more embarrassing losses of the Knicks season, an NBA Cup quarterfinal loss Young punctuated by rolling a set of imaginary die on The Garden’s center-court logo.

— Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 21 Jan. 2025