allusion

noun

Definition of allusionnext
as in reference
a statement that refers to something without mentioning it directly The lyrics contain biblical allusions.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of allusion His allusion was to the murder of President Diem of South Vietnam, in which some felt the United States had colluded. — Robert Stone, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026 Many of these allusions can feel like inside baseball that will make sense to only a microscopic portion of the French population, most of it based in Paris. — Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2026 Scientists have an indisputable playful side, evidenced by frequent allusions to popular culture in their research publications. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 9 Sep. 2026 But both the allusion to the fictional character and the marketing misstep were unfortunate. — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for allusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for allusion
  1. reference
  2. implication
Noun
  • By uniting Eastern cultural references, uncompromising craftsmanship, and conscious sustainability, Songmont continues to cultivate a distinct cultural identity and voice on the global stage.
    — Footwear News, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The expert panel also found insufficient data to set strict healthy reference ranges for the abundance of individual microbial species, and discouraged testing companies from offering therapeutic advice based on results.
    — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of reference
Noun
  • The Senate race has attracted national attention because of its implications for control of the chamber, where Democrats need to flip four seats to regain the majority.
    — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Regardless of whether the document comes to light, Rodríguez argued that Floridians should closely watch the utility merger because of its other implications for Florida voters and electricity customers.
    — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of implication

Browse Nearby Words

alluring
allusion
allusions
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Cite this Entry

“Allusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allusion. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on allusion

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about allusion

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