as in reference
a statement that refers to something without mentioning it directly
The lyrics contain biblical allusions.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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
The finale also makes some allusions to things to come.
—
Andrew McGowan, Variety, 15 Dec. 2025
Take note of the clever literary allusions and wordplay that might have gone over your head back in elementary school.
—Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 7 Dec. 2025
Younger listeners will recognize the name from Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, while old folks will note the allusion to the actor’s breakout performance in Spike Lee’s 1988 HBCU homage School Daze.
—Mosi Reeves, Rolling Stone, 25 Nov. 2025
The allusions to Mexican culture appear to be designed to highlight the Republican claims that Democrats are demanding federal benefits for migrants without legal status as a condition to winning their support on a budget bill — a charge the Democrats deny.
—Mike Lillis, The Hill, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for allusion
Andrew McGowan, Variety, 15 Dec. 2025
Take note of the clever literary allusions and wordplay that might have gone over your head back in elementary school.
—Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 7 Dec. 2025
Younger listeners will recognize the name from Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, while old folks will note the allusion to the actor’s breakout performance in Spike Lee’s 1988 HBCU homage School Daze.
—Mosi Reeves, Rolling Stone, 25 Nov. 2025
The allusions to Mexican culture appear to be designed to highlight the Republican claims that Democrats are demanding federal benefits for migrants without legal status as a condition to winning their support on a budget bill — a charge the Democrats deny.
—Mike Lillis, The Hill, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for allusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for allusion
Noun
-
It must be understood that historical references to this team are like prompts on an online dating profile — not under any circumstances to be taken seriously, but a fun jumping off point.—
Leah Dolan,
CNN Money,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Eovaldi, for reference, had a 104 rating, and the nine-point difference between Gore’s first two months and his final four was equidistant to the gap between right-hander Jacob deGrom’s (108) and Kumar Rocker’s (99) ability to locate last year.—
Shawn McFarland,
Dallas Morning News,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
That news came with the implication that the Academy would be expanding its presence on the platform, including giving audiences more access to its private events like the Governors Awards and Oscars Nominees Luncheon.—
Marcus Jones,
IndieWire,
5 Feb. 2026
-
There are certain implications.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Allusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allusion. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
