Definition of hallucinationnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun hallucination contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of hallucination are delusion, illusion, and mirage. While all these words mean "something that is believed to be true or real but that is actually false or unreal," hallucination implies impressions that are the product of disordered senses, as because of mental illness or drugs.

suffered from terrifying hallucinations

When is it sensible to use delusion instead of hallucination?

The words delusion and hallucination are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 illusion be used instead of hallucination?

Although the words illusion and hallucination have much in common, illusion implies a false ascribing of reality based on what one sees or imagines.

an illusion of safety

When is mirage a more appropriate choice than hallucination?

While in some cases nearly identical to hallucination, 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 hallucination Bland's attorney, Larry Handfield, argued the footage demonstrates that his client was experiencing hallucinations and a severe mental health crisis. Steve Maugeri, CBS News, 22 June 2026 Bill Skarsgård returns as Pennywise, Derry's resident killer clown, shapeshifter, and hallucination-manifesting cosmic monster. Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 22 June 2026 Schizoaffective disorder is a mental health condition that is marked by a mix of schizophrenia symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions, and mood disorder symptoms, such as depression, mania and a milder form of mania called hypomania, according to the Mayo Clinic. Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026 Some symptoms of diphenhydramine poisoning include drowsiness, agitation, fast heart rate, nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, seizures, dangerous heart rhythm and loss of consciousness. Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for hallucination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hallucination
Noun
  • With so much else to rebuild, a baseball season in 2026 seemed like more than a dream.
    Bo Evans, CBS News, 29 June 2026
  • Their dream houses have ocean views, swimming pools and four or more bedrooms, which may be hard to find.
    Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • We are encouraged to indulge our delusions about replacement theory and white male superiority and to surrender to our instincts toward incivility and division.
    Dawn M. Turner, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • As Lines’ delusions calcified, so did ChatGPT’s affirmations.
    Maggie Harrison Dupré, Futurism, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • His update on the C-cut began just below the chin, with extra lift at the roots and inward-curving lengths that narrowed toward the ends to create the illusion of a heart.
    Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 3 July 2026
  • Following the fall of Poland in September 1939, and before Germany invaded Denmark and Norway in April 1940, the absence of sustained military operations created the illusion of normalcy.
    Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • Despite numerous myths, a cat's fur color does not impact its personality traits.
    Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 5 July 2026
  • This is myth, and fisheries biologists know that pike do feed during the hot months just as other fish do.
    Jack G. Mell, Outdoor Life, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • And amidst the momentum of reverie, there’s the line ‘Blink at the light and hope to survive,’ because daydreams in a fascist state can be scary too.
    Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 23 June 2026
  • One-touch passing, feinting and ripping hard shots into a tattered net, each is super-charged by vivid daydreams of glory on the international stage.
    Jason Motlagh, Rolling Stone, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • Third baseman Ryan McMahon also committed a throwing error, New York's 19th in its last 14 games.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
  • England is hoping karma is on its side after a famous goal-scoring error sealed a World Cup loss to Argentina 40 years ago at Azteca Stadium.
    Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Noun
  • Your 10th House of Career and Status receives Jupiter, urging long-range vision and public progress that grows through structure.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026
  • Roman will pair a large field of view with crisp infrared vision to survey deep, vast swaths of sky.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • Possibly the biggest Korean release of the summer, this dark fantasy historical thriller stars Nam Joo-hyuk as Gu-cheon, a man who can traverse the world of ghosts, alongside Roh Yoon-seo as Saeng-gang, a court lady carrying a dangerous secret.
    Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Sometimes that player fantasy can be expressed through a simple toy that just feels good, briefly.
    Jennifer Maas, Variety, 30 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Hallucination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hallucination. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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