DELUSORY Synonyms: 100 Similar and Opposite Words

delusory

adjective

di-ˈlü-sə-rē

Definition of delusory

as in misleading

tending or having power to deceive the delusory notion that wealth invariably brings happiness

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 delusory That is delusory of course, but it can be fashioned into a victory claim that might well be readily embraced by war-weary and war-wary Russians in the public and among the elite. — John Mueller, Foreign Affairs, 29 Nov. 2022

Recent Examples of Synonyms for delusory

Adjective

Spanish officials have blamed traffickers for spreading similar misleading information, and there is a growing suspicion that Moroccan authorities initially failed to stop the crowds, intentionally allowing the surge to grow.

— Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Pruitt’s interest in opera is genuine, but the flourish is misleading.

— Carson Griffith, New Yorker, 30 July 2026

Definition of misleading

Adjective

This predominantly includes deceptive measures and signal disruptions as responses to intrusive drones.

— Zita Ballinger Fletcher, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
Warren also raised concerns about X’s banking partner, Cross River Bank, pointing to prior enforcement actions over deceptive loan practices involving the bank’s fintech partners.

— Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 29 July 2026

Definition of deceptive

Adjective

Bryan Kohberger, who pleaded guilty to stabbing four University of Idaho students to death and waived his right to appeal, is now seeking post-conviction relief by claiming his plea was false.

— Chadd Cripe. Produced with AI assistance, Idaho Statesman, 30 July 2026
On Friday, Tench was arrested on 99 felony charges, which include 33 counts of bid-rigging, 33 of first-degree forgery and 33 of filing false documents.

— Caroline Silva, AJC.com, 30 July 2026

Definition of false

Browse Nearby Words

delusive

delusory

deluxe

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“Delusory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delusory. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of delusory

adjective

Example Sentences

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