delusory

adjective

di-ˈlü-sə-rē How to pronounce delusory (audio)
Definition of delusorynext
as in misleading
tending or having power to deceive the delusory notion that wealth invariably brings happiness

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 delusory That is delusory of course, but it can be fashioned into a victory claim that might well be readily embraced by war-weary and war-wary Russians in the public and among the elite. — John Mueller, Foreign Affairs, 29 Nov. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for delusory
  1. misleading
  2. deceptive
  3. false
Adjective
  • That’s misleading, the FTC said, since customers who know how prices are set could take defensive measures, such as using a private browsing session or a virtual private network to mask their browsing history.
    — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 21 Aug. 2026
  • There are plenty of well-meaning people and experts posting content everyday, but both professors noted that even that material may be misleading, inconclusive or overly generalized.
    — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of misleading
Adjective
  • The company alleges trademark infringement, unfair competition and deceptive trade practices.
    — Jason St. Angelo, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026
  • And, given his high release point, deceptive delivery and deep repertoire, where batters can’t often make good contact.
    — Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of deceptive
Adjective
  • But to build a web of accusations based on false premises and the manipulation of reality in order to attack the Biennale and a film invited to compete is a petty and unacceptable act.
    — John Bleasdale, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026
  • China’s aircraft engineers have warned that artificial intelligence could feed false data into military intelligence, potentially distorting the design and operation of advanced weapons.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of false

Browse Nearby Words

delusive
delusory
deluxe
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Delusory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delusory. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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