Synonym Chooser

How does the noun delusion contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of delusion are hallucination, illusion, and mirage. While all these words mean "something that is believed to be true or real but that is actually false or unreal," delusion implies an inability to distinguish between what is real and what only seems to be real, often as the result of a disordered state of mind.

delusions of persecution

When can hallucination be used instead of delusion?

While in some cases nearly identical to delusion, hallucination implies impressions that are the product of disordered senses, as because of mental illness or drugs.

suffered from terrifying hallucinations

Where would illusion be a reasonable alternative to delusion?

The synonyms illusion and delusion are sometimes interchangeable, but illusion implies a false ascribing of reality based on what one sees or imagines.

an illusion of safety

When is it sensible to use mirage instead of delusion?

The words mirage and delusion can be used in similar contexts, but mirage in its extended sense applies to an illusory vision, dream, hope, or aim.

claimed a balanced budget is a mirage

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 delusion If someone is already at risk of paranoia or delusions, AI may validate their thoughts in a way that intensifies their beliefs. Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025 Moreau detailed users of hashish experiencing delusions, hallucinations and paranoia — all things now associated with schizophrenia. Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025 Liz has run out of the patience needed to look after an overgrown infant, correcting Ron’s delusion that Jay sees them as part of his family by explaining that the notion of family for their client only goes one way. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2025 The mere idea of these technologies can be enough to inspire paranoid delusions. Conor Feehly, Scientific American, 24 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for delusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for delusion
Noun
  • Of course, such high-tech innovations, providing the illusion of a social environment, have both pluses and minuses.
    Alan Lightman September 12, Literary Hub, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Shatter your illusions of love?
    Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The Cortège Out on the cricket fields at The Los Angeles Equestrian Center, an experiential open-air event is bringing together dance, sound, light, puppetry, costume, myth, and robotic canines.
    David Hochman, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • The myth of Chinese tunnels has circulated for more than a century.
    Beth Lew-Williams, New Yorker, 13 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The dream drive package includes private transfer to The Barn, Napa Valley Car Club's exclusive clubhouse, post-drive drinks and stories and return transfer.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • That dream never manifested, and eventually, the republican government’s international legitimacy was transferred to the surging mainland.
    Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • An aircraft flying without GPS can accumulate miles of error in just hours.
    Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2025
  • FanDuel acknowledged the error in the way the game score was displayed and pinned it on a third-party provider.
    Contessa Brewer,Alex Sherman, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • These are not fantasies drummed up by the Left despite claims from Paxton and his most ardent supporters.
    Kimberly Ross, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Cavill's film is a new version of the 1986 action-fantasy about an immortal Scottish swordsman's battle against another immortal warrior that starred Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery.
    Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The tour explores etiquette rules, superstitions and customs of a home funeral service from the turn of the 20th century.
    Eric E. Harrison, Arkansas Online, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Choosing who carries the card out can be rooted in superstition, some secret joke or, simply, the closest player to the dugout steps.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Designers leaned into loose, chemise-style dresses that evoked a European countryside sensibility (cue the daydream of wandering through a field of lilacs).
    Jalil Johnson, Refinery29, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Ellen retreats to her room and daydreams of her father, who understood his headstrong daughter.
    Lincee Ray Published, EW.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • But Lerner is clear that the vision goes beyond one platform.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Of course, this vision also pushes technology to adapt in ways that could benefit life on Earth.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Delusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delusion. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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