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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of illusion
Since then, researchers have taken the rubber hand illusion and run with it.
—
Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 July 2025
Both producers noted Laufey’s perfect pitch and her skill in layering multiple cello lines — sometimes two or three dozen at a time — to build out the illusion of a full string ensemble.
—Adali Schell, New York Times, 22 July 2025
Gently pull each braid outwards to create the illusion of thicker and chunkier braids.
—Ranyechi Udemezue, Vogue, 22 July 2025
Pataky’s sheer minidress gave the illusion of a delicate chainmail-like material in shimmering silver.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for illusion
Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 July 2025
Both producers noted Laufey’s perfect pitch and her skill in layering multiple cello lines — sometimes two or three dozen at a time — to build out the illusion of a full string ensemble.
—Adali Schell, New York Times, 22 July 2025
Gently pull each braid outwards to create the illusion of thicker and chunkier braids.
—Ranyechi Udemezue, Vogue, 22 July 2025
Pataky’s sheer minidress gave the illusion of a delicate chainmail-like material in shimmering silver.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for illusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illusion
Noun
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For us, the dream meal starts with their heirloom tomato gazpacho, a pitch-perfect pairing of sweet and tangy.—
Constance Ogle,
Miami Herald,
1 Aug. 2025
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This mattress is a dream come true for all kinds of sleepers.—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
1 Aug. 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
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Psychologist Sandra Klein, though, said Barahona seemed unable to move past delusions that included missing evidence and pictures that just don’t exist.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
23 July 2025
Noun
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That’s great for the team, but not fantasy managers.—
KC Joyner,
New York Times,
23 July 2025
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Even Game of Thrones, arguably the most successful fantasy/genre series in Emmys history, can only credit 32 of its 164 Emmy nominations across eight seasons to acting categories (and eight of them were for Peter Dinklage).—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
EW.com,
23 July 2025
Noun
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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
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In my own writing, the process of myth making fascinates me.—
Irenosen Okojie
July 11,
Literary Hub,
11 July 2025
Noun
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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
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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
-
Pilot error caused the crash, according to a final report from the National Transportation Safety Board.—
Perry Vandell,
AZCentral.com,
25 July 2025
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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
Noun
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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
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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
Noun
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For Leader, this hammers home the unreality of a studio without an intense marketing machine around it.—
Ryan Gaur,
IndieWire,
10 June 2025
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The title is the latest from Naughty Dog, a studio with a reputation for games that aspire to the aesthetics and prestige of cinema, with memorable characters that behave realistically despite the unreality of video games.—
Joshua Rivera,
Vulture,
21 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illusion. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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