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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unreality
As the novel progresses, this sense of unreality sharpens.
—
Jordan Kisner, The Atlantic, 4 Apr. 2025
The initial blitzkrieg against USAID in January had a feel of unreality: the natural reaction was denial.
—Dylan Matthews, Vox, 28 Mar. 2025
As in all her works, the author’s performance is captivating despite insisting on its limits, its unreality.
—Lidija Haas, Harper's Magazine, 3 Mar. 2025
Julie Andrews sells The Sound of Music with her effervescent performance, and the wooden, awkward bits around her are, now, almost endearing — a kitschy self-own acknowledging the unreality of the whole operation.
—Will Leitch, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unreality
Jordan Kisner, The Atlantic, 4 Apr. 2025
The initial blitzkrieg against USAID in January had a feel of unreality: the natural reaction was denial.
—Dylan Matthews, Vox, 28 Mar. 2025
As in all her works, the author’s performance is captivating despite insisting on its limits, its unreality.
—Lidija Haas, Harper's Magazine, 3 Mar. 2025
Julie Andrews sells The Sound of Music with her effervescent performance, and the wooden, awkward bits around her are, now, almost endearing — a kitschy self-own acknowledging the unreality of the whole operation.
—Will Leitch, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unreality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unreality
Noun
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High ceilings, tall doors, oversized windows, and a herringbone parquet floor with oversized proportions were also key to creating the illusion of extra space.—
Mailin Sophie Zieser,
Architectural Digest,
7 June 2025
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While there is a warming and cooling sensation associated with these products, the ingredients act on nerve endings to create an illusion of hot and cold.—
Novant Health,
Charlotte Observer,
6 June 2025
Noun
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Set to John Kander and Fred Ebb's award-winning score, the trailer offers a glimpse at the film’s blend of gritty realism and old-Hollywood fantasy.—
Dave Quinn,
People.com,
5 June 2025
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Her big-screen debut came in 1985 in Ridley Scott's Legend, a fantasy film that also starred Tom Cruise and Tim Curry.—
Wesley Stenzel,
EW.com,
4 June 2025
Noun
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In 1963, Johnson moved from Elizabeth, N.J. to bustling 42nd Street to follow her dreams of being a Broadway star and to learn more about New York City’s gay community.—
Tourmaline,
Time,
2 June 2025
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These kinds of breakthroughs are no longer a distant dream.—
William A. Haseltine,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
Noun
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And so, what was once a lazy, crazy, charming afternoon daydream of a movie is now a frantic, insistent, often unfunny sci-fi comedy.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
21 May 2025
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As the narrative unfolds, her mundane tasks take a playful turn, with suggestive dance moves punctuating her daydreams, until Wheeler suddenly appears unannounced, leaving both characters caught in a moment of shy intrigue.—
Isabela Raygoza,
Billboard,
13 May 2025
Noun
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Valerie often allowed her vanity and delusion to stand in her way, but also has a certain purity in her desire for mainstream success; viewers on the show’s wavelength might alternately cringe, laugh and feel deeply for her over the course of just a few minutes.—
Daniel D'Addario,
Variety,
5 June 2025
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Although she was never formally diagnosed, E.A. believes Lewes may have experienced bipolar disorder, marked by episodes of extreme paranoia and delusions, which became more frequent as time went on.—
Jordana Comiter,
People.com,
5 June 2025
Noun
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Ultimately, much may depend on their vision for Nwaneri’s and Dowman’s ultimate positions — and the outcome of he former’s contract negotiations.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
6 June 2025
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Applicants need to have a minimum 2.5 GPA, display a commitment to community and have a vision for their future, according to the 2025 application.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
5 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unreality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unreality. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.
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