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
Among Johnson’s proposals, Fitch pointed to borrowing for retroactive pay for firefighters and a reliance on new tax revenues that might end up in court, an allusion to the mayor’s social media and sports betting taxes.
—
A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026
One of the show's most dramatic scenes featured dancers hanging from power poles, an allusion to the islandwide blackout caused by Hurricane Maria in 2017 - an issue that continues to affect Puerto Rico today.
—Loureen Ayyoub, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
Some people are interpreting this as a pointed allusion to Italians’ post–World War II rejection of the monarchy after its support for fascist dictator Benito Mussolini.
—Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 3 Feb. 2026
Given the themes of mental illness and its treatments, those who follow meditation may note the allusion to the Blue Sky practice, where thoughts and emotions are seen as passing clouds against the backdrop of a constant, unchanging blue sky that represents the mind.
—Literary Hub, 2 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for allusion
A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026
One of the show's most dramatic scenes featured dancers hanging from power poles, an allusion to the islandwide blackout caused by Hurricane Maria in 2017 - an issue that continues to affect Puerto Rico today.
—Loureen Ayyoub, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
Some people are interpreting this as a pointed allusion to Italians’ post–World War II rejection of the monarchy after its support for fascist dictator Benito Mussolini.
—Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 3 Feb. 2026
Given the themes of mental illness and its treatments, those who follow meditation may note the allusion to the Blue Sky practice, where thoughts and emotions are seen as passing clouds against the backdrop of a constant, unchanging blue sky that represents the mind.
—Literary Hub, 2 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for allusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for allusion
Noun
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But Díaz-Canel’s reference to the Obama-era thaw — built on diplomatic outreach and economic openings — is for some in the South Florida Cuban exile community more of a warning than reassurance.—
Claire Heddles,
Miami Herald,
13 Mar. 2026
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On occasion, the obviousness of Nett’s references does pay off.—
Hattie Lindert,
Pitchfork,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The Heat and Magic face off in Miami in an important game with postseason seeding implications on Saturday.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
13 Mar. 2026
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Starkly different visions of how the grove will recover in the long run have implications on how forest managers should act today.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Allusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allusion. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.
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