illusory

adjective

il·​lu·​so·​ry i-ˈlü-sə-rē  -ˈlü-zə- 

-ˈlüs-, 

-ˈlüz-

: based on or producing illusion : deceptive

illusory hopes

an illusory promise

illusorily

i-ˈlü-sə-rə-lē 

-ˈlü-zə-;

-ˈlüs-, 

-ˈlüz-

adverb

illusoriness

i-ˈlü-sə-rē-nəs 

-ˈlü-zə-;

-ˈlüs-, 

-ˈlüz-

noun

Choose the Right Synonym for illusory

apparent, illusory, seeming, ostensible mean not actually being what appearance indicates.

apparent suggests appearance to unaided senses that may or may not be borne out by more rigorous examination or greater knowledge.

the apparent cause of the accident

illusory implies a false impression based on deceptive resemblance or faulty observation, or influenced by emotions that prevent a clear view.

an illusory sense of security

seeming implies a character in the thing observed that gives it the appearance, sometimes through intent, of something else.

the seeming simplicity of the story

ostensible suggests a discrepancy between an openly declared or naturally implied aim or reason and the true one.

the ostensible reason for their visit

Examples of illusory in a Sentence

an illusory sense of security

Recent Examples on the Web

Money and self-worth align as the sparkling Sun conjoins illusory Neptune in your 2nd House of Values, harmonizing imagination with practicality (especially regarding upcoming purchases or other investments). —Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 22 Mar. 2026

These young graduates start out naive about the heartlessness of the corporate world and harbor illusory hopes for success in unforgiving professions. —George Packer, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026

But many experts caution that predictions of communist rule ending have proved illusory. —Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2026

The bardo of dreams provides a reminder of the illusory nature of things in the dream state; the bardo of meditative concentration is a time to cultivate insight into the nature of things as empty. —Jue Liang, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French illusoire, borrowed from Late Latin illūsōrius "mocking, derisive, deceptive," from Latin illūdere "to make fun of, fool, dupe" + -tōrius, deverbal adjective suffix originally forming derivatives from agent nouns ending in -tōr-, -tor — more at illusion

First Known Use

circa 1631, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for illusory

• conclusory

Kids Definition

illusory

adjective

il·​lu·​so·​ry il-ˈüs-(ə-)rē 

-ˈüz-

: based on or producing illusion : deceptive

an illusory hope

Medical Definition

illusory

adjective

il·​lu·​so·​ry il-ˈüs-(ə-)rē  -ˈüz- 

: based on or producing illusion : being deceptive

the search for the ultimate cure-all for a hangover has proved illusory

—M. L. Herndon

Legal Definition

illusory

adjective

il·​lu·​so·​ry i-ˈlü-sə-rē, -zə-rē 

: likely to mislead or deceive : false, deceptive

an illusory plea bargain leading to a longer sentence than expected