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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of illusion
In today’s culture, the illusion of perfection is losing its appeal—and the wedding world mirrors this shift.
—
Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
In order to do that, the coat itself is part of the illusion.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 19 May 2025
This apparent wartime boom sustained the illusion of normalcy.
—Andrei Yakovlev, Foreign Affairs, 16 May 2025
Agencies encourage the illusion of such bonds while controlling nearly every aspect of the idols’ real lives.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for illusion
Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
In order to do that, the coat itself is part of the illusion.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 19 May 2025
This apparent wartime boom sustained the illusion of normalcy.
—Andrei Yakovlev, Foreign Affairs, 16 May 2025
Agencies encourage the illusion of such bonds while controlling nearly every aspect of the idols’ real lives.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for illusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illusion
Noun
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Ending this season with the Europa League Trophy was a dream come true.—
Jack Pitt-Brooke,
New York Times,
2 June 2025
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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
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But planted within that picture was a glimmer of hope — or maybe delusion — for Sabres fans.—
Matthew Fairburn,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
-
Researchers noted the positive effects of ecstatic epilepsy and synthesized fifty-three theoretical models of delusion.—
Rafil Kroll-Zaidi,
Harpers Magazine,
22 May 2025
Noun
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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
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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
-
Historically, fonio carries deep reverence and myth.—
Osayi Endolyn,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
27 May 2025
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
Noun
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The movie itself is something of a trip; everything feels coated in a faint, menacing sheen of unreality, as if a slasher movie were just a wild twist or two away.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
16 May 2025
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An eerie sense of unreality runs through The Plague, which premiered at Cannes in the Un Certain Regard sidebar.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
HollywoodReporter,
16 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illusion. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.
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