DELUSION Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'delusion' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of delusion are hallucination , illusion , and mirage . While all these words mean "something that is believed to be true or real but that is actually false or unreal," delusion implies an inability to distinguish between what is real and what only seems to be real, often as the result of a disordered state of mind. // delusions of persecution

Q: When can 'hallucination' be used instead of 'delusion'?

While in some cases nearly identical to delusion , hallucination implies impressions that are the product of disordered senses, as because of mental illness or drugs. // suffered from terrifying hallucinations

Q: Where would 'illusion' be a reasonable alternative to 'delusion'?

The synonyms illusion and delusion are sometimes interchangeable, but illusion implies a false ascribing of reality based on what one sees or imagines. // an illusion of safety

Q: When is it sensible to use 'mirage' instead of 'delusion'?

The words mirage and delusion can be used in similar contexts, but mirage in its extended sense applies to an illusory vision, dream, hope, or aim. // claimed a balanced budget is a mirage

delusion

noun

di-ˈlü-zhən

Definition of delusion

as in illusion

a conception or image created by the imagination and having no objective reality her idea that her new man is a long lost prince is surely just a delusion

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in myth

a false idea or belief he appears to suffer from the delusion that he's the best reporter in the business

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

truth
verity

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun delusion contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of delusion are hallucination, illusion, and mirage. While all these words mean "something that is believed to be true or real but that is actually false or unreal," delusion implies an inability to distinguish between what is real and what only seems to be real, often as the result of a disordered state of mind.

delusions of persecution

When can hallucination be used instead of delusion?

While in some cases nearly identical to delusion, hallucination implies impressions that are the product of disordered senses, as because of mental illness or drugs.

suffered from terrifying hallucinations

Where would illusion be a reasonable alternative to delusion?

The synonyms illusion and delusion are sometimes interchangeable, but illusion implies a false ascribing of reality based on what one sees or imagines.

an illusion of safety

When is it sensible to use mirage instead of delusion?

The words mirage and delusion can be used in similar contexts, but mirage in its extended sense applies to an illusory vision, dream, hope, or aim.

claimed a balanced budget is a mirage

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of delusion Songs about heartbreak and toxic relationship cycles are precise and lucid, even in their delusions. — Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026 The mortals would rather live in their own delusion than confront the magic that drifts among them. — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 12 Aug. 2026 Saturday in Chicago, once again, showcased the harsh reality that the opposition to Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham is rooted in hate, intolerance, and delusion. — Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026 Partway through the season, Straczynski noticed O’Hare developing symptoms of psychosis, including paranoid delusions. — Jp Mangalindan, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for delusion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for delusion

Noun

But planning and repositioning are different exercises, and the space between them is exactly where the diversification illusion lives longest.

— Khalifa Aldhaheri, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine shattered Europe’s remaining illusions not just about Moscow but also about Beijing.

— Kurt M. Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of illusion

Noun

One of the more popular myths accepted as fact is that the WNBA has bricked the breakaway slam dunk that is Caitlin Clark phenomenon.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Aug. 2026
The pervading myth goes that Henry was knowingly tricked into marrying Anne of Cleves by her falsely beguiling thirst trap of a portrait.

— Eva Wolchover, Vanity Fair, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of myth

Noun

That was Briscoe’s introduction to racing, an inspiration that fueled his desire and his racing dreams.

— Greg Engle, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Hull made a dream return to the Premier League after a nine-year absence, beating Manchester United 2-0 to puncture any preseason optimism surrounding the 20-time champions.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of dream

Noun

Smith allowed Boston to load the bases when Ceddanne Rafaela lined a single over a leaping Willy Adames, leaving him with no margin for error against the heart of Boston’s lineup.

— Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 23 Aug. 2026
The Missouri Supreme Court overturned the verdict a year later, however, citing errors by the judge and concluding that the prosecution never proved a murder had even been committed.

— Dan Kelly August 22, Kansas City Star, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of error

Noun

The initial offering will include more than 200 titles across popular genres including romance, billionaire romance, fantasy and family drama, with a wide selection of titles available with Indonesian dubbing and subtitles.

— Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026
The catalog spans genres such as fantasy, family drama, romance and billionaire romance, told in episodes running 60-90 seconds.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of fantasy

Noun

For some brides, cultural superstitions add yet another complicated layer to the nuptial-planning process.

— Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 24 Aug. 2026
Madilynn Becker, Miss Kansas While Madilynn Becker has long since given up most of her rituals and superstitions, there was one that ferried her through her young pageant career.

— Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of superstition

Noun

The next day, Luwi had a similar daydream, but this time the disapproving patriarch was Gajdusek.

— Rachel Aviv, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
And amidst the momentum of reverie, there’s the line ‘Blink at the light and hope to survive,’ because daydreams in a fascist state can be scary too.

— Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 23 June 2026

Definition of daydream

Noun

In its evaluation, the committee cited the film’s polished craftsmanship and the clarity of its directorial vision, pointing to the tone and mise-en-scène that sustain a sense of pressure throughout the story.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026
His résumé showcased impressive technical accomplishments and a compelling vision for building a new operational function.

— Harvard Business Review, Harvard Business Review, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of vision

Browse Nearby Words

deluging

delusion

delusional

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Articles Related to delusion

delulu

delusional; audaciously self-confident

Delusion vs. Hallucination: An...

'Allusion' vs. 'Illusion'

Let there be no delusion

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“Delusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delusion. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of delusion

noun

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Example Sentences

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delulu

Delusion vs. Hallucination: An...

'Allusion' vs. 'Illusion'

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