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
The images are more grounded in the tribulations of romance, which the researchers argue also better fit Chaucer’s later allusions to the poem.
—
Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 July 2025
While there are events in the film that can be read as parallels to Israel’s occupation of Palestine, the movie’s geopolitical allusions aren’t quite so specific.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 11 July 2025
Cancellara’s allusion to Van Aert showcases the temptation to include other riders.
—Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 3 July 2025
From the March 1958 issue: The perceptions of James Joyce
For Ulysses, too, Ellmann showed how the network of cryptic allusions and the experiments with syntax were part of a bigger plan to capture something true about the intricate crosscurrents of life.
—Eric Bulson, The Atlantic, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for allusion
Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 July 2025
While there are events in the film that can be read as parallels to Israel’s occupation of Palestine, the movie’s geopolitical allusions aren’t quite so specific.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 11 July 2025
Cancellara’s allusion to Van Aert showcases the temptation to include other riders.
—Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 3 July 2025
From the March 1958 issue: The perceptions of James Joyce
For Ulysses, too, Ellmann showed how the network of cryptic allusions and the experiments with syntax were part of a bigger plan to capture something true about the intricate crosscurrents of life.
—Eric Bulson, The Atlantic, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for allusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for allusion
Noun
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Candidates complete a detailed questionnaire covering their background, litigation history, writing samples, and references — including adversaries and judges.—
Muhammad U. Faridi,
New York Daily News,
17 Aug. 2025
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Fans on social media have also noted that a silver football and a silver microphone were sitting behind Swift during her podcast appearance and that the singer made multiple references to the number 47 during the episode.—
Marni Rose McFall,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Aug. 2025
Noun
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There has been speculation the case would ultimately reach the U.S. Supreme Court because any ruling would have national implications for tribal sovereignty.—
Frank Vaisvilas,
jsonline.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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This generational perspective on corporate accountability has profound implications for trucking litigation, where these same jurors will decide cases involving large transportation companies and their insurers.—
Lars Daniel,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Allusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allusion. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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