as in pipe dream
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Recent Examples of will-o'-the-wisp
As the guitar-strumming will-o'-the-wisp Maria von Trapp, Julie Andrews taught us a few of her favorite things.
—
Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for will-o'-the-wisp
Noun
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Launched at the Expo 2025 Osaka last year, what seemed like a pipe dream destined for a 2050 debut, is now expected to have a prototype ready decades ahead of schedule—with the first edition to launch in just four years.—
Peter Lyon,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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What began as a pipe dream in 2016’s sports media economy — building a subscription site centered around simply great sports journalism — became a rollicking reality.—
Chris Branch,
New York Times,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The stretch when the Leafs got points in 12 of 13 games from late December into early January feels like a mirage.—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
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And that is what makes Mother Nature’s miracle this winter a mirage.—
Deputy Managing Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Unveiling ignis fatuus: Microlightning between microbubbles.—
Soo Kim,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
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Several sources say ignis fatuus, a spark of swamp gas, is the likely cause of the strange light.—
Fox News,
Fox News,
3 Mar. 2023
Noun
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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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Will-o'-the-wisp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/will-o%27-the-wisp. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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