as in reference
a statement that refers to something without mentioning it directly
The lyrics contain biblical allusions.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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 allusion
From the March 1958 issue: The perceptions of James Joyce
For Ulysses, too, Ellmann showed how the network of cryptic allusions and the experiments with syntax were part of a bigger plan to capture something true about the intricate crosscurrents of life.
—
Eric Bulson, The Atlantic, 16 June 2025
There is the local ritual, with its ancient pagan history; the Biblical allusion; and a deeper, personal testament—the artist wrestling (with himself?
—Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 11 July 2025
Still, the allusion to a serial abuser has already stirred controversy.
—Eliana Dockterman, Time, 11 July 2025
From the ambient rhythm of Poems by my great Grandmother, to textual allusions drawn from Bob Marley’s War—itself a reinterpretation of Haile Selassie’s historic speech against racial injustice—Mutu weaves a multi-sensory tapestry of resistance and remembrance.
—Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for allusion
Eric Bulson, The Atlantic, 16 June 2025
There is the local ritual, with its ancient pagan history; the Biblical allusion; and a deeper, personal testament—the artist wrestling (with himself?
—Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 11 July 2025
Still, the allusion to a serial abuser has already stirred controversy.
—Eliana Dockterman, Time, 11 July 2025
From the ambient rhythm of Poems by my great Grandmother, to textual allusions drawn from Bob Marley’s War—itself a reinterpretation of Haile Selassie’s historic speech against racial injustice—Mutu weaves a multi-sensory tapestry of resistance and remembrance.
—Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for allusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for allusion
Noun
-
One of the factors that played into the delay of the film was reference to allegations made by 13-year-old Jordan Chandler, who accused Jackson of molestation in 1993 and later settled with the pop star for $20 million in 1994, with no admission of guilt from Jackson.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
24 July 2025
-
Delineating each and every Speedmaster reference would be a fruitless errand — tiny nuances during early production years mean that there are quite literally countless inscrutable variants within single reference numbers.—
Oren Hartov,
Robb Report,
23 July 2025
Noun
-
In his assessment of the South Park Season 27 premiere for The Guardian in the U.K., Stuart Heritage wrote that there could be greater implications for Paramount.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
26 July 2025
-
The implications will likely emerge sporadically over a span of years and are not particularly useful for handicapping the market’s immediate prospects from here.—
Michael Santoli,
CNBC,
26 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Allusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allusion. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share