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 That could help equip judges to avoid both ignorance of the many AI pitfalls and overconfidence in AI outputs, potentially protecting courts from AI hallucinations, biases, and evidentiary challenges sneaking past systems requiring human review and scrambling the court system. Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 21 July 2025 Symptoms can include anxiety, agitation, hallucinations, an abundance of saliva and aggressive behavior. Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 21 July 2025 What’s worse, the AI-enabled Comet, like most other AI platforms, is in some cases still prone to hallucinations, TechCrunch reported. Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 13 July 2025 In this case, there are concerns around hallucinations and data privacy. Don Murray, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for hallucination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hallucination
Noun
  • Binaural beats are an auditory illusion created when two tones of slightly different frequencies are played separately into each ear at the same time.
    Noma Nazish, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • The only way to have preserved its life in advance preparation would have been to give a harsh defensive clearcut to the pines that surrounded it, taking away the sound of wind through the branches and stripping the lodge of one of its best elements: the illusion of organic emergence.
    Tom Zoellner, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • In certain contexts, that unrestrained flattery might lead to psychological distress: In recent months, there have been growing reports of individuals experiencing AI psychosis, in which extensive conversations with chatbots may have amplified delusions.
    Lila Shroff, The Atlantic, 24 July 2025
  • That's a chronic mental health condition where a person experiences symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations or delusions, and mood disorders like depression.
    Steve Drummond, NPR, 23 July 2025
Noun
  • You might feel called to profess your love, take next steps in your relationship, or start building your dream life in some actionable way.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2025
  • This mattress is a dream come true for all kinds of sleepers.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 1 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • In my own writing, the process of myth making fascinates me.
    Irenosen Okojie July 11, Literary Hub, 11 July 2025
  • Reason 2: The Obsession with Control The second myth plaguing modern business is the assumption that complex systems can be controlled through tighter management processes.
    Tima Bansal, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • From $417 per night. Perks: Pet friendly, patio, free parking, pool, outdoor shower If daydreams of your next trip are filled with al fresco dinners, this two-bedroom home will do you one better by adding birds-eye ocean vistas to the scene.
    Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 16 July 2025
  • Girlhood daydreams and bridal magazines promised glitz and sparkle on her Big Day, but the whole event had turned out as dull as the blade’s rounded end.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • Without a robust knowledge foundation, these early wins can mask serious risks—from compliance breaches to costly decision errors.
    Stéphane Donzé, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
  • Pilot error caused the crash, according to a final report from the National Transportation Safety Board.
    Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • This fantasy was not unlike the others many young girls my age felt in the early 2010s who were enchanted by One Direction.
    Sam Woodward, USA Today, 23 July 2025
  • The First Adventure, which introduced her to readers in 1983, serves as an excellent gateway to the fantasy genre.
    The Atlantic Culture Desk, The Atlantic, 23 July 2025
Noun
  • According to Patrick Brady, the director, having a research center rather than a group of independently operating scientists can help guide a long-term vision for research.
    Andrew Montequin, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
  • The plan is the department's effort to establish a clear vision while seeking community input to create a roadmap for the department over the next five years.
    Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 24 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hallucination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hallucination. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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