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
At this year's Oscars, announcer Nick Offerman made a joking allusion to his familiarity with Parks costar Poehler by feigning total unfamiliarity.
—
Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 18 Mar. 2025
In other January texts, the mayor told political allies the city was undergoing a new Reconstruction era, an allusion to the period of rapid but ultimately halted Black advancement after the Civil War.
—Regina Garcia Cano, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2025
There are lyrical allusions to morphine and a pretty, romantic melody.
—Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 3 Mar. 2025
Many of these sanctuary city resolutions made clear allusions to the historic and sacred underpinnings of their efforts.
— Made By History, TIME, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for allusion
Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 18 Mar. 2025
In other January texts, the mayor told political allies the city was undergoing a new Reconstruction era, an allusion to the period of rapid but ultimately halted Black advancement after the Civil War.
—Regina Garcia Cano, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2025
There are lyrical allusions to morphine and a pretty, romantic melody.
—Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 3 Mar. 2025
Many of these sanctuary city resolutions made clear allusions to the historic and sacred underpinnings of their efforts.
— Made By History, TIME, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for allusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for allusion
Noun
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Despite what the word evokes in history, panzer references are not common on the far right, Beirich told me.—
Ali Breland,
The Atlantic,
1 May 2025
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The Four Seasons is perhaps an even less fresh reference.—
Alan Sepinwall,
Rolling Stone,
1 May 2025
Noun
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Leaning in either direction actually has important policy and health care implications.—
Paul Smaglik,
Discover Magazine,
2 May 2025
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Aside from the above, this has national security implications as well.—
Daniel Markind,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Allusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allusion. Accessed 7 May. 2025.
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