1
as in dream
a conception or image created by the imagination and having no objective reality
the magician specializes in creating illusions, so that people believe they have seen something when they really haven't
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in delusion
a false idea or belief
he had no illusions about how much effort and money the renovation project would require
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of illusion
Since then, researchers have taken the rubber hand illusion and run with it.
—
Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 July 2025
Both producers noted Laufey’s perfect pitch and her skill in layering multiple cello lines — sometimes two or three dozen at a time — to build out the illusion of a full string ensemble.
—Adali Schell, New York Times, 22 July 2025
Gently pull each braid outwards to create the illusion of thicker and chunkier braids.
—Ranyechi Udemezue, Vogue, 22 July 2025
Pataky’s sheer minidress gave the illusion of a delicate chainmail-like material in shimmering silver.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for illusion
Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 July 2025
Both producers noted Laufey’s perfect pitch and her skill in layering multiple cello lines — sometimes two or three dozen at a time — to build out the illusion of a full string ensemble.
—Adali Schell, New York Times, 22 July 2025
Gently pull each braid outwards to create the illusion of thicker and chunkier braids.
—Ranyechi Udemezue, Vogue, 22 July 2025
Pataky’s sheer minidress gave the illusion of a delicate chainmail-like material in shimmering silver.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for illusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illusion
Noun
-
Firstly, the dream sequence with Sarah Michelle Gellar’s Helen Shivers.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
20 July 2025
-
Gellar's appearance comes first, during a creepy dream sequence.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
20 July 2025
Noun
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In certain contexts, that unrestrained flattery might lead to psychological distress: In recent months, there have been growing reports of individuals experiencing AI psychosis, in which extensive conversations with chatbots may have amplified delusions.—
Lila Shroff,
The Atlantic,
24 July 2025
-
That's a chronic mental health condition where a person experiences symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations or delusions, and mood disorders like depression.—
Steve Drummond,
NPR,
23 July 2025
Noun
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This fantasy was not unlike the others many young girls my age felt in the early 2010s who were enchanted by One Direction.—
Sam Woodward,
USA Today,
23 July 2025
-
The First Adventure, which introduced her to readers in 1983, serves as an excellent gateway to the fantasy genre.—
The Atlantic Culture Desk,
The Atlantic,
23 July 2025
Noun
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In my own writing, the process of myth making fascinates me.—
Irenosen Okojie
July 11,
Literary Hub,
11 July 2025
-
Reason 2: The Obsession with Control The second myth plaguing modern business is the assumption that complex systems can be controlled through tighter management processes.—
Tima Bansal,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
The maid gazes out the window, her mouth slightly open, as if lost in boredom or a daydream.—
Jerry Saltz,
Vulture,
2 July 2025
-
For a home base that’s as inspiring as the journey itself, The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay rises from the cliffs like something out of a coastal daydream.—
Roger Sands,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
Noun
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Without a robust knowledge foundation, these early wins can mask serious risks—from compliance breaches to costly decision errors.—
Stéphane Donzé,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
-
Pilot error caused the crash, according to a final report from the National Transportation Safety Board.—
Perry Vandell,
AZCentral.com,
25 July 2025
Noun
-
The plan is the department's effort to establish a clear vision while seeking community input to create a roadmap for the department over the next five years.—
Jade Jackson,
IndyStar,
24 July 2025
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According to Patrick Brady, the director, having a research center rather than a group of independently operating scientists can help guide a long-term vision for research.—
Andrew Montequin,
jsonline.com,
24 July 2025
Noun
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For Leader, this hammers home the unreality of a studio without an intense marketing machine around it.—
Ryan Gaur,
IndieWire,
10 June 2025
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The title is the latest from Naughty Dog, a studio with a reputation for games that aspire to the aesthetics and prestige of cinema, with memorable characters that behave realistically despite the unreality of video games.—
Joshua Rivera,
Vulture,
21 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illusion. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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