as in to disabuse
to free from mistaken beliefs or foolish hopes
we were disillusioned when we saw how the movie star acted in real life
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as in disillusionment
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Recent Examples of disillusion
Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 3 June 2026
Our research shows that employees actually have more mixed feelings about hybrid work, with some becoming disillusioned.
—Alanah Mitchell, The Conversation, 2 June 2026
Justin Chang, New Yorker, 16 June 2025
Diminishing political and social returns — ideas that start from good intentions only to end in frustration and disillusion — seem to plague most attempts at addressing America’s structural problems, which remain and persist.
—Jens Ludwig, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for disillusion
Verb
In fact, the tax relief in the governor’s proposal would still benefit wealthy homeowners, and DeSantis has touted Florida as a safe haven for billionaires disillusioned with liberal strongholds like California and New York.
—Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 3 June 2026
Our research shows that employees actually have more mixed feelings about hybrid work, with some becoming disillusioned.
—Alanah Mitchell, The Conversation, 2 June 2026
Noun
Love, disillusion, independence, and disgrace follow.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 16 June 2025
Diminishing political and social returns — ideas that start from good intentions only to end in frustration and disillusion — seem to plague most attempts at addressing America’s structural problems, which remain and persist.
—Jens Ludwig, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for disillusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disillusion
Verb
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To capitalize on the moment, Democrats first have to disabuse themselves of the notion that this is just a return to normal.—
David M. Drucker,
Twin Cities,
9 June 2026
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Only when he was disabused of that notion, the source said, would the team’s fortunes change.—
Michael Powell,
The Atlantic,
3 June 2026
Noun
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There is a weariness here, a near-complete disillusionment with mainstream politics and a deep skepticism that any politicians in Westminster can deliver meaningful change.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
17 June 2026
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These expectations, stoked by Netanyahu and his media allies, were always unrealistic and have predictably curdled into disillusionment.—
Yair Rosenberg,
The Atlantic,
17 June 2026
Verb
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Many groups want to spur midterm turnout among Black voters, and others are disenchanted with white conservatives' maneuvers in racially diverse places.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
17 May 2026
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Nina Linh, who entered the race early on as a Democrat but has since identified as an independent, is hoping to make inroads with voters disenchanted by both parties.—
Hannah Fry,
Los Angeles Times,
11 May 2026
Noun
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The appeal for young people, experts say, seems to be twofold — a disenchantment with other institutions and with the growing loneliness of life lived on social media, together with a church that, starting with Pope Francis, has focused less on doctrine and more on social justice.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
1 June 2026
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With anthropological specificity, Nadar attends to the duality of enchantment and disenchantment accompanying the introduction and adoption of new technologies.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The bank said last week's hawkish Federal Open Market Committee meeting has increased uncertainty over the outlook for short-term interest rates, even as lower oil prices have eased concerns about an economic downturn.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
23 June 2026
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The trade comes after years of uncertainty surrounding Milwaukee's direction following the departure of championship-winning head coach Mike Budenholzer in 2023 and caps a steady decline that culminated in the Bucks missing the 2026 playoffs.—
Alejandro Avila,
FOXNews.com,
23 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Disillusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disillusion. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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