mirage

noun

mi·rage | \ mə-ˈräzh

Definition of mirage

1 : an optical (see optical sense 2a) effect that is sometimes seen at sea, in the desert, or over a hot pavement, that may have the appearance of a pool of water or a mirror in which distant objects are seen inverted, and that is caused by the bending or reflection of rays of light by a layer of heated air of varying density

2 : something illusory and unattainable like a mirage A peaceful solution proved to be a mirage.

Choose the Right Synonym Mirage and Vision More Example Sentences Learn More About mirage

Choose the Right Synonym for mirage

delusion, illusion, hallucination, mirage mean something that is believed to be true or real but that is actually false or unreal. delusion implies an inability to distinguish between what is real and what only seems to be real, often as the result of a disordered state of mind. delusions of persecution illusion implies a false ascribing of reality based on what one sees or imagines. an illusion of safety hallucination implies impressions that are the product of disordered senses, as because of mental illness or drugs. suffered from terrifying hallucinations mirage in its extended sense applies to an illusory vision, dream, hope, or aim. claimed a balanced budget is a mirage

Examples of mirage in a Sentence

A peaceful solution proved to be a mirage.

Recent Examples on the Web Was the Foxconn Lordstown Motors deal, which was seen as key to the future of the startup electric truck maker, a mirage? — Laura Johnston, cleveland, 10 May 2022 But the promise of progress in Minnesota can be a cruel mirage. — Washington Post, 9 May 2022 Dreams of 14-hour flights cut to a mere hour or two via commercial airlines equipped with hypersonic engines are likely to remain a mirage for the next decade at least. — Bruce Dorminey, Forbes, 26 Apr. 2022 This floating restaurant is far from a mirage, but rather, Lime Out, a boat-up-only venue that just celebrated three years of doling out floating meals and drinks. — Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Travel + Leisure, 5 Apr. 2022 These jobs had the advantage of being portable, but the world to which the exiles could telecommute was becoming a mirage. — Masha Gessen, The New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2022 While that puddle in the distance will (almost) never be real (but don't give up hope), that hazy heat emanating from the desert surface can have serious impacts on people trying to survive daily life in mirage-prone landscapes like Arizona. — Joan Meiners, The Arizona Republic, 16 Mar. 2022 But for countless families across the country, that hopeful glimmer proved to be more like a mirage, as school systems nationwide have grappled with myriad challenges this fall. — Washington Post, 28 Dec. 2021 Heading into December, that progress looks like a mirage. — Tim Bielik, cleveland, 5 Dec. 2021 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mirage.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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mirador

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Last Updated

13 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Mirage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mirage. Accessed 23 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for mirage

mirage

noun

mi·rage | \ mə-ˈräzh

Kids Definition of mirage

: an illusion sometimes seen at sea, in the desert, or over hot pavement that looks like a pool of water or a mirror in which distant objects are glimpsed

mirage

noun

mi·rage | \ mə-ˈräzh

Medical Definition of mirage

: an optical effect that is sometimes seen at sea, in the desert, or over a hot pavement, that may have the appearance of a pool of water or a mirror in which distant objects are seen inverted, and that is caused by the bending or reflection of rays of light by a layer of heated air of varying density