DELUSION Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'delusion' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of delusion are hallucination , illusion , and mirage . While all these words mean "something that is believed to be true or real but that is actually false or unreal," 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 can 'hallucination' be used instead of 'delusion'?

While in some cases nearly identical to delusion , hallucination implies impressions that are the product of disordered senses, as because of mental illness or drugs. // suffered from terrifying hallucinations

Q: Where would 'illusion' be a reasonable alternative to 'delusion'?

The synonyms illusion and delusion are sometimes interchangeable, but illusion implies a false ascribing of reality based on what one sees or imagines. // an illusion of safety

Q: When is it sensible to use 'mirage' instead of 'delusion'?

The words mirage and delusion can be used in similar contexts, but mirage in its extended sense applies to an illusory vision, dream, hope, or aim. // claimed a balanced budget is a mirage

delusion

noun

di-ˈlü-zhən

Definition of delusion next

as in illusion

a conception or image created by the imagination and having no objective reality her idea that her new man is a long lost prince is surely just a delusion

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in myth

a false idea or belief he appears to suffer from the delusion that he's the best reporter in the business

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

truth
verity

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun delusion contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of delusion are hallucination, illusion, and mirage. While all these words mean "something that is believed to be true or real but that is actually false or unreal," 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 can hallucination be used instead of delusion?

While in some cases nearly identical to delusion, hallucination implies impressions that are the product of disordered senses, as because of mental illness or drugs.

suffered from terrifying hallucinations

Where would illusion be a reasonable alternative to delusion?

The synonyms illusion and delusion are sometimes interchangeable, but illusion implies a false ascribing of reality based on what one sees or imagines.

an illusion of safety

When is it sensible to use mirage instead of delusion?

The words mirage and delusion can be used in similar contexts, but mirage in its extended sense applies to an illusory vision, dream, hope, or aim.

claimed a balanced budget is a mirage

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 delusion If someone is already at risk of paranoia or delusions, AI may validate their thoughts in a way that intensifies their beliefs. —

Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025 Moreau detailed users of hashish experiencing delusions, hallucinations and paranoia — all things now associated with schizophrenia. —

Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025 Liz has run out of the patience needed to look after an overgrown infant, correcting Ron’s delusion that Jay sees them as part of his family by explaining that the notion of family for their client only goes one way. —

David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2025 The mere idea of these technologies can be enough to inspire paranoid delusions. —

Conor Feehly, Scientific American, 24 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for delusion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for delusion

Noun

The journey evolves, when the sculpture is backlit with a cool white front light to showcase the illusion that the figure and its environment are immersed under water.

— Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Women are sort of forced into maintaining youth or the illusion of youth.

— Kara Nesvig, Parents, 18 Sep. 2025

Definition of illusion

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deluging

delusion

delusional

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Articles Related to delusion

delulu

Delusional; audaciously self-confident

Delusion vs. Hallucination: An...

'Allusion' vs. 'Illusion'

Let there be no delusion

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“Delusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delusion. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.

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Last Updated: 21 Sep 2025 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of delusion

noun

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Example Sentences