as in illusion
a conception or image created by the imagination and having no objective reality
a sci-fi author who seems to have preferred the unrealities of his own fiction to the realities of the world about him
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 unreality
The cringing mortifications and unsettling unreality make the series a tough sit.
—
Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 11 Oct. 2025
Longtime Vogue readers can likely recognize Steven Klein’s photographs at a glance, what with their glaring colors, arresting compositions, and beguiling sense of unreality.
—Vogue, 7 Oct. 2025
In rare cases, sleepers gain insight into the unreality of their dreams from within the dream itself.
—Rachel Barr, Big Think, 20 Aug. 2025
The unreality of the capybara is partly responsible for its cultlike following.
—Gary Shteyngart, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unreality
Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 11 Oct. 2025
Longtime Vogue readers can likely recognize Steven Klein’s photographs at a glance, what with their glaring colors, arresting compositions, and beguiling sense of unreality.
—Vogue, 7 Oct. 2025
In rare cases, sleepers gain insight into the unreality of their dreams from within the dream itself.
—Rachel Barr, Big Think, 20 Aug. 2025
The unreality of the capybara is partly responsible for its cultlike following.
—Gary Shteyngart, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unreality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unreality
Noun
-
As Nick and Jacki’s conversations deepen, the line between witness and participant blurs, forcing both to confront what justice demands, what belief requires, and the perilous distance between true freedom and the illusion of self-determination.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
9 Feb. 2026
-
This work by Franco-Isreali artist Yorame Mevorach, also known as Oyoram, gives the illusion of swimming along the river’s edge.—
Kasia Dietz,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Lindsey Vonn was the 13th skier to hit the slopes in the alpine ski women’s downhill at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics on Sunday and her dreams of powering through a devastating knee injury to make the medal podium came to a crashing halt.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Gary has had civic dreams before.—
Edward Keegan,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
With the help of Mariah Carey, the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony will be a sweet, sweet fantasy.—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Left for dead by most fantasy players, CMC was a man on a mission.—
Bill Reinhard,
New York Daily News,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Shortly after, the book began to take shape, with new elements often arriving in vivid daydreams and eerie nightmares.—
Charlie Vargas,
Oc Register,
30 Jan. 2026
-
And like the iconic Orient-Express (whose original route has been revived by Belmond's Venice Simplon-Orient-Express), the Champagne flutes, suited servers, and glossy design of this locomotive hold a seductive potential for daydreams and drama.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
This includes medications, risk of falling, mobility, vision and balance.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
12 Feb. 2026
-
President Paul DePodesta and Byrnes have established a vision for success, adding multiple major league players and implementing philosophical changes in the minors.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
12 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Troublingly, there are unfolding layers of delusion too.—
James Folta,
Literary Hub,
5 Feb. 2026
-
His bus ride to the Big Apple at 17-years-old was a risk born of drive and delusion.—
David John Chávez,
Mercury News,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unreality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unreality. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
