illusory

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective illusory contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of illusory are apparent, ostensible, and seeming. While all these words mean "not actually being what appearance indicates," illusory implies a false impression based on deceptive resemblance or faulty observation, or influenced by emotions that prevent a clear view.

an illusory sense of security

When is apparent a more appropriate choice than illusory?

The synonyms apparent and illusory are sometimes interchangeable, but apparent suggests appearance to unaided senses that may or may not be borne out by more rigorous examination or greater knowledge.

the apparent cause of the accident

When is it sensible to use ostensible instead of illusory?

The meanings of ostensible and illusory largely overlap; however, ostensible suggests a discrepancy between an openly declared or naturally implied aim or reason and the true one.

the ostensible reason for their visit

When could seeming be used to replace illusory?

While the synonyms seeming and illusory are close in meaning, seeming implies a character in the thing observed that gives it the appearance, sometimes through intent, of something else.

the seeming simplicity of the story

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 illusory The feeling of openness might be illusory at the very biggest events in tennis, but at least the chasing pack are no longer going into majors resigned to their fate. Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025 But as his physical stunts — nothing illusory about them — have repeatedly demonstrated, his capacity for hurt appears to dwarf that of most humans. Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 17 Apr. 2025 Romance can be illusory while Mercury joins Neptune. Usa Today, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025 Naysayers insisted that increasing content costs would match the company’s rapid topline and subscriber growth, and profits would prove illusory. Michael Khouw, CNBC, 17 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for illusory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illusory
Adjective
  • Several heads of industry have toyed with creating an imaginary staff, embracing the self-mirroring feedback loop of their output as a plus.
    Sheldon Pearce, NPR, 17 June 2025
  • Answer: Minnesota Who was Riley’s childhood imaginary friend?
    Kara Nesvig, Parents, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • In a sit-down interview, Goldberg said the amount of disrespect Gunther had for Goldberg was unreal.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • And, if Mateer and Ott are as-advertised, this could be an unreal year for the Sooners.
    Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • None of this makes the world more ideal for travelers.
    Alex Ledsom, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • Gelfond says the film’s visual scale and scope are ideal for the Imax experience.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • With one technique, for example—called imaginal exposure—you might be asked to visualize the process of going to the airport, boarding the plane, and experiencing a bad bout of turbulence.
    Angela Haupt, TIME, 10 May 2024
  • Mercury entering into Pisces turns up the imaginal juice.
    USA TODAY, USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2024
Adjective
  • But his approach is unlikely to foster either emotion.
    KORI SCHAKE, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
  • Despite rapid advances in AI tools, experts say the technology is unlikely to transform the film and TV industry overnight due to rising production costs fueled by streaming wars.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Illusory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illusory. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on illusory

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