illusory

adjective

il·​lu·​so·​ry i-ˈlü-sə-rē  -ˈlü-zə- 

-ˈlüs-,

-ˈlüz-

: based on or producing illusion : deceptive

illusory hopes

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

Try not to build castles in the air when Mars unites with illusory Neptune in your sign on the 29th. —Debbie Frank, Peoplemag, 10 Apr. 2024

But maximizing these opportunities means learning the lessons of the last few years – moving away from illusory valuations driven by FOMO and media frenzy, and returning to the fundamentals of great investing, and real sustainable growth. —Kjartan Rist, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024

There is also the hope, not entirely illusory, that Russian vulnerabilities will eventually become too much for the Putin regime to handle. —Keith Gessen, The New Yorker, 15 Feb. 2024

The trope taps into the sense that our most intimate and trusted spaces can be treacherous, that normalcy is unstable and perhaps illusory. —Stephen Kearse, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2024

His original goal of seizing Kyiv and subjugating Ukraine proved foolish and illusory. —William J. Burns, Foreign Affairs, 30 Jan. 2024

But peace is illusory as long as Hamas remains in power. —Phil Klay, The Atlantic, 28 Mar. 2024

Nowadays misinformation and fake news pose such a big problem because untrue statements get repeated through retweets, shares, etc. Sunstein: Recognizing the strength of the illusory truth effect can create a degree of inoculation to defend against falsehoods. —Jessica Dulong, CNN, 23 Feb. 2024

Featuring all of the hallmarks of an Irwin piece — its use of shadow, light and material to create an intimate, illusory effect — the installation, however incidental, served as something of a fitting tribute to a true master. —Seth Combs, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Dec. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1631, in the meaning defined above

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