as in illusion
a conception or image created by the imagination and having no objective reality
a sci-fi author who seems to have preferred the unrealities of his own fiction to the realities of the world about him
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unreality
As the novel progresses, this sense of unreality sharpens.
—
Jordan Kisner, The Atlantic, 4 Apr. 2025
The initial blitzkrieg against USAID in January had a feel of unreality: the natural reaction was denial.
—Dylan Matthews, Vox, 28 Mar. 2025
As in all her works, the author’s performance is captivating despite insisting on its limits, its unreality.
—Lidija Haas, Harper's Magazine, 3 Mar. 2025
Julie Andrews sells The Sound of Music with her effervescent performance, and the wooden, awkward bits around her are, now, almost endearing — a kitschy self-own acknowledging the unreality of the whole operation.
—Will Leitch, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unreality
Jordan Kisner, The Atlantic, 4 Apr. 2025
The initial blitzkrieg against USAID in January had a feel of unreality: the natural reaction was denial.
—Dylan Matthews, Vox, 28 Mar. 2025
As in all her works, the author’s performance is captivating despite insisting on its limits, its unreality.
—Lidija Haas, Harper's Magazine, 3 Mar. 2025
Julie Andrews sells The Sound of Music with her effervescent performance, and the wooden, awkward bits around her are, now, almost endearing — a kitschy self-own acknowledging the unreality of the whole operation.
—Will Leitch, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unreality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unreality
Noun
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High ceilings, tall doors, oversized windows, and a herringbone parquet floor with oversized proportions were also key to creating the illusion of extra space.—
Mailin Sophie Zieser,
Architectural Digest,
7 June 2025
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While there is a warming and cooling sensation associated with these products, the ingredients act on nerve endings to create an illusion of hot and cold.—
Novant Health,
Charlotte Observer,
6 June 2025
Noun
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Set to John Kander and Fred Ebb's award-winning score, the trailer offers a glimpse at the film’s blend of gritty realism and old-Hollywood fantasy.—
Dave Quinn,
People.com,
5 June 2025
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Following Wicked’s blockbuster release last year, there’s a ton of excitement brewing for Part 2 of the fantasy movie musical starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
Noun
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Honestly, this mattress is a dream, with the price point being under $2,000 for a California King.—
Nashia Baker,
Architectural Digest,
13 June 2025
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The chefs also had access to extraordinary local ingredients from Milan’s market, a dream for any cook.—
Buddha Lo,
People.com,
13 June 2025
Noun
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Each room was designed to feel like a small private home, complete with its own terrace, living, and dining spaces—and indeed my suite, retro yet refined, felt straight out of Don Draper’s West Coast daydream.—
Elise Taylor,
Vogue,
24 Apr. 2025
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After a few episodes, Tim stopped checking in with his lawyer and his employees and started escaping into whiskey, pills and suicidal daydreams.—
Noel Murray,
New York Times,
6 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Although she was never formally diagnosed, E.A. believes Lewes may have experienced bipolar disorder, marked by episodes of extreme paranoia and delusions, which became more frequent as time went on.—
Jordana Comiter,
People.com,
5 June 2025
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Valerie often allowed her vanity and delusion to stand in her way, but also has a certain purity in her desire for mainstream success; viewers on the show’s wavelength might alternately cringe, laugh and feel deeply for her over the course of just a few minutes.—
Daniel D'Addario,
Variety,
5 June 2025
Noun
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Ultimately, much may depend on their vision for Nwaneri’s and Dowman’s ultimate positions — and the outcome of he former’s contract negotiations.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
6 June 2025
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Applicants need to have a minimum 2.5 GPA, display a commitment to community and have a vision for their future, according to the 2025 application.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
5 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unreality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unreality. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
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