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 Defenders of the policy point to waiver provisions as evidence of the new policy's flexibility, but closer examination reveals these waivers to be illusory. Carlos Del Toro, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025 The illusion of a causal connection People tend to form illusory correlations between objects, people, occurrences or behaviors, particularly when those things are infrequently encountered. Julia Standefer, The Conversation, 14 Mar. 2025 Perhaps nothing demonstrates the illusory pursuit of the truth like the story of Ikilimu Bilbis, the traveler who arrived in the ancient city of Timbuktu to glimpse the Book of Absolute Truth, a tome that contained the answer to every question in the universe. Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, The Dial, 4 Mar. 2025 Instead of an illusory peace, Washington should help Ukraine determine the rules of engagement with Russia, and through these rules, the war could gradually be minimized. Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for illusory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illusory
Adjective
  • This means flopping through different symbolic rooms of an imaginary house — a schtick that Danielle Deadwyler also had to do for the same reason in The Woman in the Yard, a movie that might still be playing when Thunderbolts* hits the cineplex.
    Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • The deeper themes about race and history and culture, as well as the sheer terror and excitement, all feed audiences craving to confront our demons and fears, but in a safe imaginary setting – all the more important when those fears increasingly stalk the daytime for so many people.
    Mark Hughes, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • On one level all of this felt so unreal, things that had happened in another era and to another person, things, really, that had not happened.
    Hazlitt, Hazlitt, 2 Apr. 2025
  • His day was capped off with an unreal approach shot from 200 yards out on 18.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Leftover egg whites, yolks, or whole eggs that have been frozen can be ideal for baking and cooking applications where large quantities of eggs are needed.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Their slim design is also ideal for fighting off creases, wrinkles and shoulder bumps.
    Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 18 Apr. 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
  • An eruption is unlikely for now Typically, gases like water and carbon dioxide can separate and form bubbles during the rise and decompression of magma.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Matt Shaw was 1-for-13 in his first four games at Iowa, so the rookie who started in Japan is unlikely to return from Des Moines any time soon.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Illusory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illusory. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on illusory

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!