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
  • 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 standout interlude is the soldiers’ visit to the island domain of Circe, a treacherous witch played with deceptive calm and a misleading air of distraction by a bone-chilling Samantha Morton.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026
  • Using a clinician’s name, image, or credentials in a synthetic endorsement without consent should be treated as deceptive practice, with liability directed toward those who commission or distribute the content.
    — Henry Bair, STAT, 14 July 2026
Definition of deceptive
Adjective
  • Judge Ranjan identified several problems with MET’s claims, including MET’s allegation that UA engaged in false advertising by portraying Celliant as having the FDA’s blessing.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 July 2026
  • Coney Barrett shared her experience bringing home a bulletproof vest and having her house swatted, or subject to false police reports.
    — Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 15 July 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 18 Jul. 2026.

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