as in reference
a statement that refers to something without mentioning it directly
The lyrics contain biblical allusions.
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Recent Examples of allusion
In the movies where Godzilla is attacking Japan rather than defending it against a worse kaiju, the country is cast as a victim — understandably so, because originally the monster was an allusion to the bombings that ravaged Japan.
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James Grebey, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2026
The finale also makes some allusions to things to come.
—Andrew McGowan, Variety, 15 Dec. 2025
Take note of the clever literary allusions and wordplay that might have gone over your head back in elementary school.
—Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 7 Dec. 2025
Younger listeners will recognize the name from Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, while old folks will note the allusion to the actor’s breakout performance in Spike Lee’s 1988 HBCU homage School Daze.
—Mosi Reeves, Rolling Stone, 25 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for allusion
James Grebey, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2026
The finale also makes some allusions to things to come.
—Andrew McGowan, Variety, 15 Dec. 2025
Take note of the clever literary allusions and wordplay that might have gone over your head back in elementary school.
—Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 7 Dec. 2025
Younger listeners will recognize the name from Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, while old folks will note the allusion to the actor’s breakout performance in Spike Lee’s 1988 HBCU homage School Daze.
—Mosi Reeves, Rolling Stone, 25 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for allusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for allusion
Noun
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The concept can also be called influence, echo, reference, etc.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 Feb. 2026
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The library functions as a growing catalog of extremophile organisms found in permafrost — a biological reference collection that didn’t exist until this research began building it.—
Ryan Brennan,
Kansas City Star,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
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That news came with the implication that the Academy would be expanding its presence on the platform, including giving audiences more access to its private events like the Governors Awards and Oscars Nominees Luncheon.—
Marcus Jones,
IndieWire,
5 Feb. 2026
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There are certain implications.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Allusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allusion. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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