as in imaginary
formal
based on something that is not true or real; based on an illusion
an illusory hope an illusory sense of security
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of illusory
Perhaps nothing demonstrates the illusory pursuit of the truth like the story of Ikilimu Bilbis, the traveler who arrived in the ancient city of Timbuktu to glimpse the Book of Absolute Truth, a tome that contained the answer to every question in the universe.
—
Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, The Dial, 4 Mar. 2025
Instead of an illusory peace, Washington should help Ukraine determine the rules of engagement with Russia, and through these rules, the war could gradually be minimized.
—Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
Here, the New York scenes are far too glum to coexist with the breezy maneuvering that’s happening in the present, and giving the lead an illusory disabled brother to talk to from time to time feels like the worst version of a wannabe Shyamalan twist.
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 24 Feb. 2025
Ever since the end of World War II, a long parade of American presidents saw first the Soviet Union and then, after a brief and illusory interregnum, its successor Russia as a force to be wary of, at the very least.
—Peter Baker, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illusory
Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, The Dial, 4 Mar. 2025
Instead of an illusory peace, Washington should help Ukraine determine the rules of engagement with Russia, and through these rules, the war could gradually be minimized.
—Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
Here, the New York scenes are far too glum to coexist with the breezy maneuvering that’s happening in the present, and giving the lead an illusory disabled brother to talk to from time to time feels like the worst version of a wannabe Shyamalan twist.
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 24 Feb. 2025
Ever since the end of World War II, a long parade of American presidents saw first the Soviet Union and then, after a brief and illusory interregnum, its successor Russia as a force to be wary of, at the very least.
—Peter Baker, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illusory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illusory
Adjective
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The Emmy Award-winner plays the Black woman stand-in for a white male protagonist in an imaginary story to repurpose the popularity of a once successful Keyworth Pictures’ franchise.—
Malik Peay,
Essence,
17 Apr. 2025
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Perception Of Threat: In situations of aggression, whether real or imaginary, a natural response is to fight back.—
Naira Velumyan,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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His day was capped off with an unreal approach shot from 200 yards out on 18.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2025
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Arrival of The Manimal: Future Nuggets standout Kenneth Faried made his debut at the Pepsi Center in 2011 and went from a relative unknown to unreal.—
Troy Renck,
The Denver Post,
18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Leftover egg whites, yolks, or whole eggs that have been frozen can be ideal for baking and cooking applications where large quantities of eggs are needed.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
19 Apr. 2025
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Modern formulations allow for consistent dosing, which is ideal for ensuring that every bite is just right.—
Matt Rozo,
Mercury News,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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With one technique, for example—called imaginal exposure—you might be asked to visualize the process of going to the airport, boarding the plane, and experiencing a bad bout of turbulence.—
Angela Haupt,
TIME,
10 May 2024
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Mercury entering into Pisces turns up the imaginal juice.—
USA TODAY,
USA TODAY,
23 Feb. 2024
Adjective
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With a Labour government entrenched until at least 2029, that’s unlikely to happen anytime, but the big brands are also big planners, and always thinking about the success of the next generation.—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
10 Apr. 2025
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That means consumers and businesses are unlikely to see any relief on loan rates in the near term, although economists are penciling in cuts later in the year, with the majority forecasting a reduction at the Fed's June 18 meeting.—
Aimee Picchi,
CBS News,
10 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illusory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illusory. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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