1
as in dreams
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
2
as in delusions
a false idea or belief
he had no illusions about how much effort and money the renovation project would require
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of illusions
There is that moment where the illusions crumble, where the masks fall away and what follows is disappointment.
—
Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026
And while an optimistic sort, El Tipo Este harbors few illusions.
—Bill Kopp, SPIN, 13 May 2026
This planet strips away illusions, forcing transformation through endings, intensity and uncomfortable truths.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 7 May 2026
The United States, searching for self-definition but loath to lose its illusions—its innocence—needed all of this as a counterpoint.
—Sebastian Smee, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
But while those are decent accomplishments for this iteration of the Boston Bruins, there were no illusions inside the locker room or with the coach about where this team is right now.
—Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 3 May 2026
The point was to conform language to lies, to narrow the range of thought, to obscure the truth, and, over time, to get people to believe in illusions.
—Literary Hub, 27 Apr. 2026
Archaeologists analyze the ancient painters’ creative use of the cave’s spatial definition to tell stories and create illusions of motion.
—Eric Kohn, IndieWire, 24 Apr. 2026
In 2028, a 22-day fair is scheduled for June 7 to July 4 with a theme of magic and illusions.
—Luke Harold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026
And while an optimistic sort, El Tipo Este harbors few illusions.
—Bill Kopp, SPIN, 13 May 2026
This planet strips away illusions, forcing transformation through endings, intensity and uncomfortable truths.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 7 May 2026
The United States, searching for self-definition but loath to lose its illusions—its innocence—needed all of this as a counterpoint.
—Sebastian Smee, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
But while those are decent accomplishments for this iteration of the Boston Bruins, there were no illusions inside the locker room or with the coach about where this team is right now.
—Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 3 May 2026
The point was to conform language to lies, to narrow the range of thought, to obscure the truth, and, over time, to get people to believe in illusions.
—Literary Hub, 27 Apr. 2026
Archaeologists analyze the ancient painters’ creative use of the cave’s spatial definition to tell stories and create illusions of motion.
—Eric Kohn, IndieWire, 24 Apr. 2026
In 2028, a 22-day fair is scheduled for June 7 to July 4 with a theme of magic and illusions.
—Luke Harold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illusions
Noun
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Hong Kong — For the past three decades, China has been a nation of homeowners — supercharging the world’s second-largest economy and fulfilling the dreams of millions.—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
18 May 2026
-
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams.—
Harriette Cole,
Mercury News,
18 May 2026
Noun
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By the novel’s end, the mark of his satire broadens even further, beyond American culture to the persistent delusions of human consciousness itself.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 May 2026
-
There’s something disturbing about watching these already commonplace delusions about ChatGPT — Your particular version has a soul!—
Vulture,
Vulture,
17 May 2026
Noun
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In fact, the Mango Collective initiative was created precisely for this purpose, as a platform to celebrate the creativity and innovation of ascending and independent designers, connecting their singular visions with Mango’s design expertise and international reach.—
Sharon Edelson,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2026
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With many issues in the contest between incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, Councilmember Nithya Raman and reality TV vet Spencer Pratt impacting the entertainment industry, Deadline talks with the contenders to hear their visions for the city.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
Barker combines the monkey’s paw and Pygmalion myths in this story of a young man who wishes that his dream girl would fall in love with him.—
Katie Walsh,
Twin Cities,
23 May 2026
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They were not asked about Hutson’s defence, not asked to dispel any myths about Hutson, not led in that direction in any way.—
Arpon Basu,
New York Times,
21 May 2026
Noun
-
While Goodman’s paradoxes and fantasies posed challenges to me as her biographer, with the advent of AI slop and ChatGPT, our courtship with illusion (and possibly delusion) is here to stay.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 May 2026
-
Known for its signature vibrant psychedelic prints, the designs are summer personified, enticing fans with fantasies of wearing them by the pool, Aperol spritz in hand.—
Diana Tsui,
Footwear News,
13 May 2026
Noun
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Down a run and facing elimination in the final inning, Troup rallied with seven hits, two walks and two Pickens errors to win 8-1 in Game 2 of the Class 3A baseball series at Synovus Park in Columbus.—
Todd Holcomb,
AJC.com,
24 May 2026
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Senior starting pitcher Carson Roden struggled a little with two hit-batsmen, three hits and a walk in the first inning, and the defense behind her had two errors.—
Steve Gorches,
The Orlando Sentinel,
23 May 2026
Noun
-
Nina, Karen and Caroline started appearing in my daydreams, full of vigor and life lessons.—
Jennifer Acker,
PEOPLE,
8 May 2026
-
Some stories plant deep in your creative brain and come out through songs heard on the radio and random daydreams in the shower.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illusions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illusions. Accessed 25 May. 2026.
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