Synonyms of illusory

illusory

adjective

as in imaginary

formal based on something that is not true or real; based on an illusion

an illusory hope

an illusory sense of security

Related Words

• imaginary
• unreal
• ideal
• imagined
• invented
• imaginal
• unlikely
• delusive
• surreal
• deceptive
• abstract
• hallucinatory
• chimerical
• fictitious
• phantasmagoric
• delusional
• phantasmal
• phantom
• fictional
• mythical
• fanciful
• make-believe
• phantasmic
• notional
• hypothetical
• fantasied
• romantic
• theoretical
• fabled
• legendary
• pretend
• daydreamlike
• visionary
• made-up
• unbelievable
• unconvincing
• fabulous
• fantastic
• nonexistent
• fictive
• envisioned
• visualized
• conceived
• envisaged
• feigned
• concocted
• fabricated
• pictured
• inexistent

Dissimilar Words

• true
• genuine
• authentic
• factual
• realistic
• physical
• verifiable
• substantial
• convincing
• solid
• real
• corporeal
• believable
• tangible
• actual
• material
• palpable
• existing
• existent
• verified

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

Recent Examples of illusory

Growth has been weak and illusory. —Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

Taking a few extra seconds to consciously judge information can counteract illusory truth, indicating that intentionally slowing down even just a bit can be beneficial. —Jt Torres, The Conversation, 16 Jan. 2026

Time may be an absolute, but our measurements of it are illusory. —Christian Wiman, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025

Across both songs, the fear glimpsed through the door viewer proves to be illusory, pointing to the truth that a shift in perspective can instantly invert the world. —Billboard Japan, Billboard, 23 Dec. 2025