Synonyms of allusion

allusion

noun

as in reference

a statement that refers to something without mentioning it directly

The lyrics contain biblical allusions.

Related Words

• reference
• implication
• inference
• clue
• innuendo
• indication
• insinuation
• evidence
• suggestion
• intimation
• mention
• cue
• inkling
• hint
• idea
• lead
• glimpse
• inspiration
• whiff
• scent
• wind
• glimmer
• breath
• sign
• notion
• signal
• token
• assistance
• flicker
• key
• hunch
• pointer
• prompt
• nod
• denotation
• tip
• mark
• overtone
• wink
• telltale
• guidepost
• tip-off

Dissimilar Words

• solution
• answer

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of allusion

Much of that album, plus many of the other older songs Dylan performed Monday, makes allusions to classical antiquity, literature and religion to tackle themes of redemption and divine judgment. — Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 7 July 2026

Come for the sisterhood, stay for allusions to William Faulkner and Donna Tartt. — Hamilton Cain, Time, 7 July 2026

Even more than usual, critics and Dylanologists scrutinized Modern Times for references and allusions, finding words and melodies paraphrased from the works of Muddy Waters, Bing Crosby, and the Roman poet Ovid. — Al Shipley, SPIN, 29 June 2026

There’s a density of literary allusion in the Tragedies of Seneca that isn’t there in the Homeric poems. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 23 June 2026

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