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

In conclusion, several factors, starting from the extent of our exposure to horoscopes to illusory correlation, can play a role in your astrology beliefs, but those are not necessarily the same factors that influence the strength of your relationship, as the aforementioned study shows. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025

Auctions are built on an illusory symmetry of hope. —Sam Knight, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025

How much of this estimate is hoped-for government spending and financial guarantees that will end up illusory? —Peter Murphy, Hartford Courant, 18 Aug. 2025

For years, the only mechanisms available for relief from a federal firearms disability were the all but impossible pardon, seemingly illusory expungement that did not satisfy federal requirements, or an expensive and uncertain route of litigation. —Mandy Taheri hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 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