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 Here's What the Director Has Teased Jack Nicholson's Son Ray Channels Dad's Creepy Grin in 'Smile 2' However, this victory is revealed to be a hallucination; in reality, Rose remains trapped within the house, and the entity overpowers her. Jane Lacroix, People.com, 15 May 2025 Are the meerkats that appear near the end of the story real or a hallucination? Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025 But without a human in the loop, the risk of bugs, hallucinations, and poor architecture increases exponentially. Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025 In 2023, 58% of AI decision makers at companies in Australia, the U.K. and the U.S. expressed concern over the risk of hallucinations in a generative AI deployment, Forrester found. Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 17 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for hallucination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hallucination
Noun
  • The entire space was stunned by the illusion of water gushing and animals moving toward the audience.
    Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 28 May 2025
  • Donald Trump started selling the illusion of exclusivity half a century ago.
    Ian Crouch, New Yorker, 27 May 2025
Noun
  • Researchers noted the positive effects of ecstatic epilepsy and synthesized fifty-three theoretical models of delusion.
    Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harpers Magazine, 22 May 2025
  • But planted within that picture was a glimmer of hope — or maybe delusion — for Sabres fans.
    Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • Ending this season with the Europa League Trophy was a dream come true.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 2 June 2025
  • 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
Noun
  • Historically, fonio carries deep reverence and myth.
    Osayi Endolyn, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 May 2025
  • There are several myths that certain foods are bad for thyroid function, including gluten and cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, brussels sprouts, and cauliflower).
    Patty Weasler, Verywell Health, 27 May 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
  • The government has admitted in court that his deportation was an administrative error.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 7 June 2025
  • At least some of the errors produced by his code can be traced to using older versions of OpenAI models available through the VA — models not capable of solving complex tasks, according to the experts consulted by ProPublica.
    Brandon Roberts, ProPublica, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Hallucination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hallucination. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.

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