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
There are allusions that Florian has been, or may still be, politically active.
—
Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 19 May 2025
The technology sectors’ allusions to national security and AI have a certain shape-shifting quality to them.
—Harry Law, Time, 5 June 2025
Among several curious allusions to FF storylines and characters, the director specifically cites three of Hickman’s inventions — Reed’s philanthropic Future Foundation, the multiverse portal the Bridge, and the interdimensional Council of Reeds.
—Adam B. Vary, Variety, 2 June 2025
Underneath are layers of newspaper clippings about racist terrorism, with a silk stocking stretched over them—an allusion to the girls murdered in the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church bombing.
—Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for allusion
Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 19 May 2025
The technology sectors’ allusions to national security and AI have a certain shape-shifting quality to them.
—Harry Law, Time, 5 June 2025
Among several curious allusions to FF storylines and characters, the director specifically cites three of Hickman’s inventions — Reed’s philanthropic Future Foundation, the multiverse portal the Bridge, and the interdimensional Council of Reeds.
—Adam B. Vary, Variety, 2 June 2025
Underneath are layers of newspaper clippings about racist terrorism, with a silk stocking stretched over them—an allusion to the girls murdered in the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church bombing.
—Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for allusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for allusion
Noun
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Biden’s sweeping executive order on AI was in keeping with the lengths EU went through to create the EU AI Act, the first comprehensive legislation on AI, which included references to GDPR and the Digital Services Act that were drafted in line with the implications for artificial intelligence.—
Hessie Jones,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
-
There are lyrical references to swimming and being taken to the river.—
Dewayne Bevil,
The Orlando Sentinel,
17 June 2025
Noun
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In general, there are still some question marks for the future of these tests and their implications for the banking sector.—
Morgan Chittum,
CNBC,
20 June 2025
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In formulating monetary policy, the Fed will continue to monitor the implications of incoming information for the economic outlook and is prepared to adjust the stance of monetary policy as appropriate if risks emerge that hinder the attainment of its dual objectives.—
Rohit Arora,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Allusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allusion. Accessed 23 Jun. 2025.
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