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

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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

Experts pointed to a number of possibilities for voters’ decisions, including what some characterized as successful but potentially misleading messaging by the opposition and confusion over the complex measure.

— Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026
Should companies face tougher penalties for advertising misleading health benefits, especially when someone's financial security could be at stake?

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 11 Nov. 2026

Definition of misleading

Adjective

Voters across the country saw through the deceptive tactics utilized by super PACs, corporations, and nonprofits.

— Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Nov. 2026
The agency said undisclosed collection or use of personal information to personalize prices could violate the FTC Act’s prohibition on unfair or deceptive practices.

— Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of deceptive

Adjective

Lina Attalah, a co-founder and editor-in-chief of Mada Masr, is challenging a one-year prison sentence and a fine imposed in absentia on charges of operating a website without a license and spreading false news.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Nov. 2026
Numerous European carriers were hit with false bomb threats last week, including Irish airlines Aer Lingus and Ryanair, Hungarian carrier Wizz Air and Polish Airlines.

— Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Nov. 2026

Definition of false

Adjective

This isn’t callousness or delusive optimism but, rather, a rebellion against the suffocating expectation that the elderly have foreclosed the possibility of joy.

— Hillary Kelly, The New Yorker, 21 Feb. 2024
To separate art from its historical framework is futile, and to reject it in an effort to censor past violence is a delusive act of virtue signaling.

— WSJ, WSJ, 5 July 2022

Definition of delusive

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 13 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of delusory

adjective

Example Sentences

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