as in reference
a statement that refers to something without mentioning it directly
The lyrics contain biblical allusions.
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Recent Examples of allusion
Ghirri’s essays teem with allusions to art history, and two of the more striking large Polaroids invoked paintings by the artist’s favorite old masters, though the homages inclined less toward reverence than tart irony.
—
James Quandt,
Artforum,
2 June 2026
Knowing allusions to what’s going on out West don’t make up for a hard cap on world-building.
—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
29 May 2026
Wear with just a white bralette or a peasant top, fully tapping into the historical allusions.
—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
26 May 2026
Hers is likewise a solitary journey, for reasons not explained beyond allusions to tight purse strings in this space colonization project, which is a collaboration between multiple agencies, governments and an unnamed private funder.
—
Emily McClanathan,
Chicago Tribune,
22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for allusion
James Quandt,
Artforum,
2 June 2026
Knowing allusions to what’s going on out West don’t make up for a hard cap on world-building.
—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
29 May 2026
Wear with just a white bralette or a peasant top, fully tapping into the historical allusions.
—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
26 May 2026
Hers is likewise a solitary journey, for reasons not explained beyond allusions to tight purse strings in this space colonization project, which is a collaboration between multiple agencies, governments and an unnamed private funder.
—
Emily McClanathan,
Chicago Tribune,
22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for allusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for allusion
Noun
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Her astute observations — and solid Disney fairy tale references — don't stop there.
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Traders can use the 50-day moving average at $166 as their reference on the downside.
Noun
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While the Supreme Court ruling focused specifically on cases in West Virginia and Idaho, it is expected to have far-reaching implications for those additional 25 states — and possibly more if other states pursue similar legislation.
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But labor strife here is spilling off of the docks and into City Hall, with political implications for Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, himself a former labor organizer who is expected to run for reelection in less than a year.
Cite this Entry
“Allusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allusion. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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