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 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 Millett believed that the visual art work, with its power of nonspecific allusion, could touch something deeper than human thought and rationality. — Rachel Cusk, New Yorker, 13 June 2026 His hours-long speeches, stuffed with classical allusions and thundering with invective, were distributed as pamphlets by the millions. — Rob Wolfe, The Atlantic, 5 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for allusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for allusion
  1. reference
  2. implication
Noun
  • In 1912, the pen cases were acquired by Louis Cartier as reference pieces for his jewelry designs.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 6 Aug. 2026
  • For reference, that’s 400,000 kilowatts; the average home uses 30 kilowatts a day.
    — Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of reference
Noun
  • But their path to the majority also depends on holding onto the seat in Michigan — infusing the choice voters make in Tuesday's primary with national implications.
    — Sam Gringlas, NPR, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Political operatives say the implications could extend well beyond San Francisco.
    — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of implication

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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 8 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on allusion

Nglish: Translation of allusion for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about allusion

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