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
Lucy has no personal life, no friends, no sense of self beyond what is absolutely necessary for the plot, and no history beyond vague allusions to a troubled childhood.
—
Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 25 June 2025
While there’s no telling what the next two films might have in store for her character, knowing the traditionalism of ritualism of the village, there is perhaps some allusion to Arthur’s sister Morgana, who became his downfall.
—Richard Newby, HollywoodReporter, 23 June 2025
His work is saturated with references to Irish history, politics, geography, and culture—rich in allusions, both explicit and puzzlelike, to major figures and events.
—Eric Bulson, The Atlantic, 16 June 2025
At first—in what feels like a winking allusion to the legend that Queen Victoria was unable to conceive of lesbianism—Mary simply can’t fathom the possibility.
—B. Pietras
june 10, Literary Hub, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for allusion
Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 25 June 2025
While there’s no telling what the next two films might have in store for her character, knowing the traditionalism of ritualism of the village, there is perhaps some allusion to Arthur’s sister Morgana, who became his downfall.
—Richard Newby, HollywoodReporter, 23 June 2025
His work is saturated with references to Irish history, politics, geography, and culture—rich in allusions, both explicit and puzzlelike, to major figures and events.
—Eric Bulson, The Atlantic, 16 June 2025
At first—in what feels like a winking allusion to the legend that Queen Victoria was unable to conceive of lesbianism—Mary simply can’t fathom the possibility.
—B. Pietras
june 10, Literary Hub, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for allusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for allusion
Noun
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Typically, riders will aim for between 90 to 120 grams of carbohydrate per hour — for reference, the UK medical guidelines for an adult male is around 275g for the entire day.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
12 July 2025
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This is Dunham laying bare for audiences once more — and only her true fans, raised being way too online, would get all the references to her lore.—
Samantha Bergeson,
IndieWire,
11 July 2025
Noun
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Significant treasury regulations may be necessary to fully address tax implications, particularly in the estate and gift tax area on transfers of and by stablecoins and similar digital currency.—
Priya Prakash Royal Esq. LL.M. MBA AEP TEP,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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Ahead of his 90th birthday on July 6, he is expected to outline a framework for identifying his reincarnation, a decision that carries religious significance and political implications for Tibetans and the Chinese government.—
Jordan King,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Allusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allusion. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.
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