hallucination

noun

hə-ˌlü-sə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce hallucination (audio)
Definition of hallucinationnext
1
as in illusion
a conception or image created by the imagination and having no objective reality were the voices real, or merely a hallucination?

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in delusion
a false idea or belief the common hallucination that gluttony during the holiday season doesn't have consequences

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun hallucination contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of hallucination are delusion, illusion, and mirage. While all these words mean "something that is believed to be true or real but that is actually false or unreal," hallucination implies impressions that are the product of disordered senses, as because of mental illness or drugs.

suffered from terrifying hallucinations

When is it sensible to use delusion instead of hallucination?

The words delusion and hallucination are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, delusion implies an inability to distinguish between what is real and what only seems to be real, often as the result of a disordered state of mind.

delusions of persecution

When can illusion be used instead of hallucination?

Although the words illusion and hallucination have much in common, illusion implies a false ascribing of reality based on what one sees or imagines.

an illusion of safety

When is mirage a more appropriate choice than hallucination?

While in some cases nearly identical to hallucination, mirage in its extended sense applies to an illusory vision, dream, hope, or aim.

claimed a balanced budget is a mirage

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 hallucination The jury's out on whether that's true — hallucinations are an especially sticky problem. —Alex Fitzpatrick, Axios, 9 Mar. 2025 Don’t be fooled by hallucinations, even when they are reinforced by the LLM. —Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 This was a time, once a year, when everyone consumed this psychoactive drink, passed out and experienced narcotic hallucinations thought to be messages from the God Hathor. —Rich Haridy, New Atlas, 22 Mar. 2025 Technologies that rely on artificial intelligence can have hallucinations, too. —Anna Choi, The Conversation, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hallucination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hallucination
  1. illusion
  2. delusion
  3. dream
  4. myth
  5. daydream
  6. error
  7. fantasy
  8. vision
Noun
  • While most magicians rely on illusion, gadgets, and cutting-edge technology, Blaine’s magic is grounded in raw human endurance, discipline, and the ability to push the limits of both body and mind.
    — Tony Bradley, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
  • According to the documentary, De Beers created an illusion of diamond scarcity by controlling supply and demand.
    — Garth Friesen, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
Definition of illusion
Noun
  • Antipsychotic medications are commonly prescribed to reduce hallucinations, delusions, and other psychotic symptoms associated with schizophrenia.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • The hypocrisies of what might be called humanity’s delusions of superiority suggest the need for deeper questioning.
    — Billy J. Stratton, The Conversation, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of delusion
Noun
  • Big advances in artificial intelligence have renewed some scientists’ dream of eventually understanding what dolphins are saying.
    — Melissa Hobson, Scientific American, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The bottom line: Uncle Sam's collection hat ruined the dream.
    — Jason Clayworth, Axios, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of dream
Noun
  • First, there is the technology myth, the belief that older employees cannot keep pace with digital advancements.
    — Dan Pontefract, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Because Jordan only gets better and better in memory and myth.
    — Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of myth
Noun
  • The video poignantly contrasts between a life with and without the threat of gun violence through a little girl’s daydream.
    — Kara Nesvig, Parents, 10 Mar. 2025
  • But true love isn’t built in daydreams—it’s built in real-time, with real people.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
Definition of daydream
Noun
  • In the last two decades, five helicopters on commercial sightseeing flights have crashed into the Hudson and East rivers due to mechanical failures, pilot errors, or collisions, resulting in 20 fatalities.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
  • In the last two decades, five helicopters on commercial sightseeing flights have fallen into the Hudson and East rivers as a result of mechanical failures, pilot errors or collisions, killing 20 people.
    — Jake Offenhartz, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of error
Noun
  • The Film Says A Lot Without Saying Much This is a fantasy adventure film that involves mythical creatures.
    — DeVonne Goode, Parents, 18 Apr. 2025
  • But The Wheel of Time is the strangest, most colorful large-scale fantasy on TV.
    — Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of fantasy
Noun
  • Fans have bought into the vision of multiple general managers and the potential of a long list of high draft picks.
    — Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
  • In those nine minutes of footage, the camera meanders through an optimistic, dynamic metropolis where new technologies breed new visions and big plans.
    — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of vision

Browse Nearby Words

hallucinating
hallucination
hallucinations
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Cite this Entry

“Hallucination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hallucination. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on hallucination

Nglish: Translation of hallucination for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hallucination

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