DELUSORY Synonyms: 100 Similar and Opposite Words

delusory

adjective

di-ˈlü-sə-rē

Definition of delusory

as in misleading

tending or having power to deceive the delusory notion that wealth invariably brings happiness

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Adjective

Kara and Daniel Phillip, Lockport residents of 15 years, expressed similar safety concerns and beliefs that McGrew’s presentation, claiming property values would not decrease, to be misleading.

— Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026
These differences make simple score comparisons between students receiving vouchers and those who remain in the public school systems misleading.

— Kendall Deas, The Conversation, 6 July 2026

Definition of misleading

Adjective

The state agency said clinic staffers had clients sign a personal injury waiver, which the commission said was unenforceable, against public policy and deceptive and dishonest.

— Ashley Hiruko, ProPublica, 8 July 2026
Bartůňková and Krejčíková share finesse in the front of the court as well as deceptive power, with Bartůňková’s excellent spot-serving giving her a platform and Krejčíková’s ability to change rhythm at will trying to destabilize it.

— Ava Wallace, New York Times, 2 July 2026

Definition of deceptive

Adjective

An infusion of false hope, however, is all the equalizer was.

— Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2026
Her post received 22,000 likes, and Elon Musk—who regularly boosts white-supremacist perspectives—and Joe Rogan have made similar claims about the group being a false-flag operation.

— Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026

Definition of false

Browse Nearby Words

delusive

delusory

deluxe

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“Delusory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delusory. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of delusory

adjective

Example Sentences

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