ILLUSION Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'illusion' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of illusion are delusion , hallucination , and mirage . While all these words mean "something that is believed to be true or real but that is actually false or unreal," illusion implies a false ascribing of reality based on what one sees or imagines. // an illusion of safety

Q: When is 'delusion' a more appropriate choice than 'illusion'?

While the synonyms delusion and illusion are close in meaning, 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

Q: When could 'hallucination' be used to replace 'illusion'?

In some situations, the words hallucination and illusion are roughly equivalent. However, hallucination implies impressions that are the product of disordered senses, as because of mental illness or drugs. // suffered from terrifying hallucinations

Q: When might 'mirage' be a better fit than 'illusion'?

The words mirage and illusion are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mirage in its extended sense applies to an illusory vision, dream, hope, or aim. // claimed a balanced budget is a mirage

illusion

noun

i-ˈlü-zhən

Definition of illusion next

as in dream

a conception or image created by the imagination and having no objective reality the magician specializes in creating illusions, so that people believe they have seen something when they really haven't

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in delusion

a false idea or belief he had no illusions about how much effort and money the renovation project would require

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

truth
verity

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun illusion contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of illusion are delusion, hallucination, and mirage. While all these words mean "something that is believed to be true or real but that is actually false or unreal," illusion implies a false ascribing of reality based on what one sees or imagines.

an illusion of safety

When is delusion a more appropriate choice than illusion?

While the synonyms delusion and illusion are close in meaning, 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 could hallucination be used to replace illusion?

In some situations, the words hallucination and illusion are roughly equivalent. However, hallucination implies impressions that are the product of disordered senses, as because of mental illness or drugs.

suffered from terrifying hallucinations

When might mirage be a better fit than illusion?

The words mirage and illusion are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mirage in its extended sense applies to an illusory vision, dream, hope, or aim.

claimed a balanced budget is a mirage

Examples of illusion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This constant connectivity gives the illusion of productivity but often leads to burnout and a mental fog that stifles creative thinking. —

Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024 Belief in magic demands overlooking the hard work that went into creating that illusion. —

Robert Niles, Orange County Register, 1 Oct. 2024 Related Articles For the occasion, Perry opted for an illusion dress, featuring a bevy of zippers. —

Julia Teti, WWD, 30 Sep. 2024 Some products stand the test of time no matter the season, like lengthening mascaras such as L’Oréal’s formula, which gives you the illusion of eyelash extensions. —

Iman Balagam, Vogue, 4 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for illusion

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'illusion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.