Definition of hallucinationnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun hallucination contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of hallucination are delusion, illusion, and mirage. While all these words mean "something that is believed to be true or real but that is actually false or unreal," hallucination implies impressions that are the product of disordered senses, as because of mental illness or drugs.

suffered from terrifying hallucinations

When is it sensible to use delusion instead of hallucination?

The words delusion and hallucination are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, delusion implies an inability to distinguish between what is real and what only seems to be real, often as the result of a disordered state of mind.

delusions of persecution

When can illusion be used instead of hallucination?

Although the words illusion and hallucination have much in common, illusion implies a false ascribing of reality based on what one sees or imagines.

an illusion of safety

When is mirage a more appropriate choice than hallucination?

While in some cases nearly identical to hallucination, mirage in its extended sense applies to an illusory vision, dream, hope, or aim.

claimed a balanced budget is a mirage

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 hallucination It is known to produce brief and intense hallucinations. Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 19 Feb. 2026 The precarious state of her mind forces us to question whether Sylvia and Ted are ghosts, hallucinations or literary inventions sprung to life. Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026 The novel follows Emma Starling, who returns to her small New Hampshire hometown to be with her father, diagnosed with a rare brain illness that causes hallucinations. Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 8 Feb. 2026 Companies haven’t proved yet that their models are free from hallucinations. The Week Us, TheWeek, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hallucination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hallucination
Noun
  • The flavors are just as dazzling as the visuals, with everything from classic fish balls and siu mai to snake soup and mock shark's fin, served up by food stalls that make Temple Street a foodie's dream.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Feb. 2026
  • But that dream died along with her husband.
    Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 22 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Mania of the week Sophomania — a delusion of having superior intelligence or being exceptionally wise.
    Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026
  • Hence my delight in the brief delusion of my own banning.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The brightening and blurring properties come from bismuth oxychloride, a mineral that adds a light-reflecting luminous finish, and silicones that create the illusion of blurred skin.
    Essence Wiley, InStyle, 25 Feb. 2026
  • Class analysis remains difficult in the US because its absence allows for the illusion of exceptional individuals to prevail.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • If Çatak uses the accumulation of mundane details to portray the pressures on ordinary people, Alper uses the heightened language of myth and allegory to tell a story that nevertheless feels immediately recognizable as belonging to the present.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2026
  • With the myth of perfectly symmetrical eyebrows dispelled, let’s get into it.
    Lottie Winter, Glamour, 26 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Rather than stressing over social niceties, sitting in ornate carriages and snacking on cream cakes, Sophie daydreams while scrubbing floors and delivering tea.
    Madeline Hirsch, InStyle, 26 Feb. 2026
  • What began as a food‑truck daydream shared by two longtime friends has become one of Iowa’s most beloved culinary success stories, one rooted in nostalgia and family.
    Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register, 18 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Industry guidance from Innovative Toll Solutions says common errors include misread license plates, toll tags that aren’t properly registered, duplicate transactions, or system glitches.
    Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Duran, who is in contention for a roster spot, had two iffy throws defensively in attempts to get a pair of speedy runners out, though neither were technically ruled an error.
    Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 26 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Increase Contrast Between Objects DME affects your central vision.
    Brandi Jones, Health, 25 Feb. 2026
  • The goal for the two governing boards this week was to outline objectives for the library system’s long-term vision, which should come to a boil when the groups meet to discuss paying for the plan this summer.
    Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 25 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • For the first time ever, the show's fourth installment beckons viewers downstairs, past the formal drawing rooms and lavish ballrooms, and into the kitchens, back hallways, and living quarters of the working class who keep the fantasy running upstairs.
    Madeline Hirsch, InStyle, 26 Feb. 2026
  • The scene even follows him into a fantasy dance sequence with the rest of the film’s ensemble (including his shirtless buds, played by Paul Rudd and Seth Rogen) set on a green hilltop adorned with colorful banners and awash with, yes, sunshine.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 26 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hallucination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hallucination. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on hallucination

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster