as in to disabuse
to free from mistaken beliefs or foolish hopes
we were disillusioned when we saw how the movie star acted in real life
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as in disillusionment
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of disillusion
Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 15 Jan. 2026
Jill biographer Julie Pace told PEOPLE in 2022 that Biden was disillusioned with the relationship.
—Greta Bjornson, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026
Jens Ludwig, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
These leaders pose a significant risk, disillusion us the most, and undercut the argument that character is essential to success.
—Mary Crossan, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for disillusion
Verb
For younger generations disillusioned by outdated models of success, his approach offers a powerful and practical alternative.
—Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 15 Jan. 2026
Jill biographer Julie Pace told PEOPLE in 2022 that Biden was disillusioned with the relationship.
—Greta Bjornson, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026
Noun
Diminishing political and social returns — ideas that start from good intentions only to end in frustration and disillusion — seem to plague most attempts at addressing America’s structural problems, which remain and persist.
—Jens Ludwig, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
These leaders pose a significant risk, disillusion us the most, and undercut the argument that character is essential to success.
—Mary Crossan, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for disillusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disillusion
Verb
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This is also why disabusing new believers of such opinions can feel like plucking shell fragments from a cooking omelet.—
Emil Steiner,
Forbes.com,
30 Jan. 2026
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There is no shortage of opportunities for children, particularly Black and brown ones, to be disabused of their fantasies.—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Perhaps a serious literary consideration of ambition, one that breaks through the shell of Millennial disillusionment that has hardened around the subject in recent years, would need to follow Orlean’s lead in focusing on craft.—
Lily Meyer,
The Atlantic,
29 Jan. 2026
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Sadly, Ilya may still have to do this, as foreshadowed by his brother’s homophobia and his disillusionment with Russia writ large.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
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In the five decades since Portugal threw off its fascist dictatorship, a presidential election has only once before — in 1986 — required a runoff, highlighting how fragmented the political landscape has become with the rise of the far-right and voter disenchantment with mainstream parties.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
18 Jan. 2026
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In November, Johnson, fed up with McNamara’s disenchantment and his pleadings for a policy shift toward negotiations, announced that the defense secretary would depart the administration to lead the World Bank—in effect, firing him.—
Foreign Affairs,
Foreign Affairs,
16 Dec. 2025
Verb
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For more than 15 years, independents have made up the largest group of voters, as Americans have grown increasingly disenchanted with the two-party system.—
Sarah Fortinsky,
The Hill,
12 Jan. 2026
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People are disenchanted with seeing tens of thousands of people laid off while corporate profits skyrocket.—
Esha Chhabra,
Forbes.com,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Schroeder and Pepper note that while girls are often socialized to name feelings, seek help, and build collaborative relationships, boys receive far fewer tools for navigating stress, conflict, and uncertainty.—
Dr. Liz Doe Stone,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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Their role is to provide clarity, advocacy, and guidance, especially during times of change or uncertainty.—
Kris Slugg,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Disillusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disillusion. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
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