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

Growth has been weak and illusory. —Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

Taking a few extra seconds to consciously judge information can counteract illusory truth, indicating that intentionally slowing down even just a bit can be beneficial. —Jt Torres, The Conversation, 16 Jan. 2026

Trump’s pursuit of an illusory sphere of influence is unlikely to bring us peace or prosperity—any more than the invasion of Ukraine brought peace and prosperity to Russians—and this might become clear sooner than anyone expects. —Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 5 Jan. 2026

Time may be an absolute, but our measurements of it are illusory. —Christian Wiman, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025

Word History

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