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 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 See All Example Sentences for allusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for allusion
  1. reference
  2. implication
Noun
  • Able to cite chapter and verse from the Mayo Clinic reference guide and deeply research any disease, Sarah is also an ace at hands-on treatment.
    — Allan Ripp, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The irony, of course, is that this very haphazardness is orchestrated by Dante, who is putting all the references together with intention — the intention of creating the illusion of no intention, of chaos.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of reference
Noun
  • Kamil Krzaczynski | Reuters The rise of these tech-heavy vehicles poses implications for the entire automotive world.
    — Robert Ferris, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2026
  • According to the motion, the documentary does not reasonably convey the defamatory implications Banks alleges or suggest that the filmmakers intended to convey them.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of implication

Browse Nearby Words

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 17 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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