Synonyms for
Illusion
Definition
Illusion means something that appears real but is not actually there, or a false idea or belief.
Synonyms & similar words
delusion
deception
semblance
trick
fantasy
magic
fancy
conjuringtrick
legerdemain
headgame
magictrick
conjuration
phantasy
thaumaturgy
delusion
mirage
hallucination
fantasy
deception
trick
fake
miracle
spectacle
dream
vision
apparition
confusion
misconception
misbelief
misapprehension
fallacy
myth
fiction
imagination
Synonyms by register
Antonyms
Common collocations
- optical illusion
- sense of illusion
- shatter the illusion
- under the illusion
- illusion of control
- delusion of grandeur
- illusion of choice
Word family
Usage note
While 'illusion' and 'delusion' are sometimes used interchangeably, 'illusion' often refers to a false perception or belief that can be corrected by reality, whereas 'delusion' is a more firmly held, often irrational, false belief.
Example sentences
- The mirage in the desert was just an illusion.
- The magic show was full of illusions and tricks.
- She had the illusion that she was being followed.
- The politician created an illusion of prosperity that wasn't real.
- The painting created the illusion of depth and space.
Quotes
“The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.” - The Usual Suspects
“Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.” - Albert Einstein
“The world is full of illusions, and the biggest one is that happiness comes from things outside ourselves.” - Peter Diamandis