will-o'-the-wisp

noun

Definition of will-o'-the-wispnext
as in pipe dream

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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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for will-o'-the-wisp
  1. pipe dream
  2. mirage
  3. ignis fatuus
  4. daydream
Noun
  • Although Koerte believes Europe needs to develop greater AI capabilities, complete sovereignty remains a pipe dream.
    — Sam Forsdick, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
  • How could this kid from the cornfields of Illinois say no to that kind of pipe dream?
    — Robert Greenblatt, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of pipe dream
Noun
  • Now, the Raiders’ wins so far have come against the lowly Miami Dolphins, Chargers and New Orleans Saints, so this 3-0 start may turn out to be a bit of a mirage.
    — Andy Scholes, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026
  • In the distance, a huge mobile crane, or some other piece of machinery, loomed, impossibly tall, shimmering in the air like a mirage.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of mirage
Noun
  • 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
  • The story also helped explain ignis fatuus, a natural phenomenon that occurs in marshlands and bogs—such as those in Ireland’s countryside—producing flickering lights as gases from decomposing organic matter combust.
    — National Geographic, National Geographic, 27 Oct. 2020
Definition of ignis fatuus
Noun
  • It's inspired by Snoopy's daydream of being the coolest beagle on campus.
    — Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026
  • The next day, Luwi had a similar daydream, but this time the disapproving patriarch was Gajdusek.
    — Rachel Aviv, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of daydream

Browse Nearby Words

will-less
will-o'-the-wisp
will-o'-the-wisps
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“Will-o'-the-wisp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/will-o%27-the-wisp. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on will-o'-the-wisp

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about will-o'-the-wisp

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