illusion

noun

i-ˈlü-zhən How to pronounce illusion (audio)
Definition of illusionnext
1
as in dream
a conception or image created by the imagination and having no objective reality the magician specializes in creating illusions, so that people believe they have seen something when they really haven't

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in delusion
a false idea or belief he had no illusions about how much effort and money the renovation project would require

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun illusion contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of illusion are delusion, hallucination, and mirage. While all these words mean "something that is believed to be true or real but that is actually false or unreal," illusion implies a false ascribing of reality based on what one sees or imagines.

an illusion of safety

When is delusion a more appropriate choice than illusion?

While the synonyms delusion and illusion are close in meaning, 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 could hallucination be used to replace illusion?

In some situations, the words hallucination and illusion are roughly equivalent. However, hallucination implies impressions that are the product of disordered senses, as because of mental illness or drugs.

suffered from terrifying hallucinations

When might mirage be a better fit than illusion?

The words mirage and illusion are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 illusion This offers projections of idyllic countryside to create the illusion of being outdoors. —Richard Edwards, Space.com, 7 Feb. 2026 If choosing between communicating a less impressive truth versus a more sparkling illusion, keep it real and build credibility. —Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 4 Feb. 2026 Romance, at least in its early stages, is a fragile illusion. —Eileen Kelly, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2026 The addition is intended to create the illusion of a taller stiletto. —Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for illusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illusion
  1. dream
  2. delusion
  3. fantasy
  4. myth
  5. vision
  6. error
  7. daydream
  8. unreality
Noun
  • Lindsey Vonn was the 13th skier to hit the slopes in the alpine ski women’s downhill at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics on Sunday and her dreams of powering through a devastating knee injury to make the medal podium came to a crashing halt.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Gary has had civic dreams before.
    — Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026
Definition of dream
Noun
  • Troublingly, there are unfolding layers of delusion too.
    — James Folta, Literary Hub, 5 Feb. 2026
  • His bus ride to the Big Apple at 17-years-old was a risk born of drive and delusion.
    — David John Chávez, Mercury News, 4 Feb. 2026
Definition of delusion
Noun
  • With the help of Mariah Carey, the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony will be a sweet, sweet fantasy.
    — Allison DeGrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Left for dead by most fantasy players, CMC was a man on a mission.
    — Bill Reinhard, New York Daily News, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of fantasy
Noun
  • The chief human resources officer at $76 billion giant Colgate-Palmolive, Sally Massey, dispelled the myths that Gen Z only brings high standards and chaos to the workplace.
    — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Like the tricksters of myth, there’s depth to their slyness.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of myth
Noun
  • This includes medications, risk of falling, mobility, vision and balance.
    — Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 12 Feb. 2026
  • President Paul DePodesta and Byrnes have established a vision for success, adding multiple major league players and implementing philosophical changes in the minors.
    — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 12 Feb. 2026
Definition of vision
Noun
  • The lawyers had requested that the Justice Department website be temporarily shut down and that an independent monitor be appointed to ensure no further errors occurred.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Feb. 2026
  • This story has been updated with new information, to reframe parts of the story and to correct spelling errors.
    — Steve Patterson, Florida Times-Union, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of error
Noun
  • Shortly after, the book began to take shape, with new elements often arriving in vivid daydreams and eerie nightmares.
    — Charlie Vargas, Oc Register, 30 Jan. 2026
  • And like the iconic Orient-Express (whose original route has been revived by Belmond's Venice Simplon-Orient-Express), the Champagne flutes, suited servers, and glossy design of this locomotive hold a seductive potential for daydreams and drama.
    — Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Jan. 2026
Definition of daydream
Noun
  • To hear about a mass shooting in another city is to feel one is at the periphery of ongoing history; but perversely, to live near the site of a shooting is to feel nothing has changed except that unreality has come closer.
    — Karan Mahajan, New Yorker, 15 Dec. 2025
  • In giving each of its characters new foils, the unreality of the show finally takes off.
    — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 24 Nov. 2025
Definition of unreality

Phrases Containing illusion

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ill-using
illusion
illusionist
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Cite this Entry

“Illusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illusion. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on illusion

Nglish: Translation of illusion for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about illusion

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