Synonyms for
Mirage
Definition
An optical illusion caused by atmospheric conditions, especially the appearance of a sheet of water in a desert or on a hot road caused by the refraction of light from the sky by heated air.
Synonyms & similar words
Synonyms by register
Formal
Antonyms
Common collocations
- optical mirage
- heat mirage
- desert mirage
- water mirage
- fata morgana mirage
- see a mirage
- mistake for a mirage
Word family
noun mirage
adjective mirage-like
Usage note
A mirage is an optical phenomenon. It is often used metaphorically to describe something that seems real but is not, like a false hope or an unattainable goal.
Example sentences
- The heat made the road ahead look like a mirage.
- The mirage of water in the desert fooled the thirsty travelers.
- The mirage was caused by the refraction of light.
- The mirage was so convincing that the travelers kept walking towards it.
- The mirage disappeared as they got closer.
Quotes
Mirage: something that appears real or possible but is not in fact so.
The mirage is only a mirage because it's not really there.
The mirage is the reflection of our own desires.