illusionism

noun

il·​lu·​sion·​ism i-ˈlü-zhə-ˌni-zəm 

: the use of artistic techniques (such as perspective or shading) to create the illusion of reality especially in a work of art

Examples of illusionism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But if Judd’s literalism and Caro’s illusionism represent the extreme and irreconcilable ends of the artistic spectrum during the ’60s and ’70s, Bove’s work integrates and combines these apparent artistic antipodes with a contemporary twist. —Gordon Hughes, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2026

Looking past these semantic disagreements, illusionism appears to be the leading view in the current philosophy of mind landscape. —Theodore McDarrah, Forbes.com, 27 July 2025

The artist, who’s known for installations that combine video, sculpture and projections, has both an artistic investment in and a family connection to illusionism. —Julia Halperin, New York Times, 16 May 2024

So, there is always another level to illusionism, another more masterly bit of deception. —Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 3 Nov. 2023

Word History

Etymology

illusion + -ism

First Known Use

1911, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for illusionism

• activism
• ageism
• albinism
• altruism
• aneurism
• animism
• aphorism
• atomism
• barbarism
• bolshevism
• botulism
• brahmanism