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

But in an interview with NPR last year, Patterson said the projection can create a misleading impression when used as a general-purpose world map.

— Jewel Bright, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026
The White House’s misleading stats on oil shipments from the Gulf.

— Jim Edwards, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of misleading

Adjective

López’s attorney sent Rivas and her group a cease-and-desist letter last month, citing trademark infringement and deceptive and unfair trade practices, the letter shows.

— Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2026
The technology was also tested against deceptive behaviour, an in a different scenario, fishing boats appeared to retreat while vessels from another direction accelerated toward the coastguard ship.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of deceptive

Adjective

However, data show that when AI is highly capable, doctors add more errors and false corrections than beneficial insights.

— Abe Baker-Butler, STAT, 9 Sep. 2026
The company accused Fox News of airing false claims that voting machines were manipulated to help Joe Biden win the 2020 presidential election.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 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 10 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of delusory

adjective

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