disillusioned 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of disillusionednext
1
as in frustrated

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2
as in cynical

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disillusioned

2 of 2

verb

past tense of disillusion
as in disenchanted
to free from mistaken beliefs or foolish hopes we were disillusioned when we saw how the movie star acted in real life

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 disillusioned
Adjective
There’s no doubt that leaving an engaged young woman like this one so disillusioned is a failure. — Krista Mehari, The Conversation, 23 July 2026 For the moderator — who has become a bit disillusioned by the transformation of the subreddit — posts like Haapala’s, celebrating their job offer on the subreddit, are a beacon of light. — William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 21 July 2026
Verb
First, if a majority of the Council’s 37 members have grown disillusioned with Infantino’s leadership. — Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026 Flehinger said that many of her peers who support Platner are disillusioned. — Margie Cullen, USA Today, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for disillusioned
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disillusioned
  1. frustrated
  2. cynical
  3. disenchanted
  4. disappointed
  5. pessimistic
  6. disabused
  7. unfulfilled
  8. misanthropic
Adjective
  • When John finally reunites with Hal (who charges the ring against the lantern while quickly muttering his oath), the frustrated protégé immediately confronts his teacher with all the suspicions he was meant to keep secret.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Counsell remained frustrated by the balk call after the inning ended.
    — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of frustrated
Adjective
  • One big call was to yellow card Marco van Staden for cynical play on his tryline, superseding a high tackle by New Zealand captain Ardie Savea on Wiese.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026
  • The cynical reality is that Republicans don’t even need to turn down tech company donations to campaign on their newly pragmatic identities.
    — David Weigel, semafor.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of cynical
Verb
  • If Daniels decides to litigate the matter, other former college stars who are disenchanted by their alma mater for one reason or another could similarly try to stop their schools from using their NIL.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 Aug. 2026
  • In a time when so many are disenchanted with medicine, Kimberly Lomis, a surgeon and vice president of medical education innovations at the American Medical Association, sees opportunity.
    — Spencer Dorn, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
Definition of disenchanted
Adjective
  • Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Those sitting at home were left disappointed — and out of pocket — by no TV coverage in the UK.
    — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
  • John is disappointed to learn that Lucky doesn’t have a plan to keep the cash.
    — Derek Lawrence, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of disappointed
Adjective
  • One owner of an EFL club, who spoke to The Athletic on the condition of anonymity to protect relationships, was more pessimistic.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Yet these concepts often seem lost on the many economists who think many Americans are overly pessimistic.
    — Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of pessimistic
Verb
  • This Penelope is knowing, gossipy, disabused.
    — David Denby, New Yorker, 21 June 2026
  • Only when he was disabused of that notion, the source said, would the team’s fortunes change.
    — Michael Powell, The Atlantic, 3 June 2026
Definition of disabused
Adjective
  • Five years on, the promises that once sought to justify two decades of American intervention have not just gone unfulfilled but have been actively undone.
    — Kara Fox, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The report also alleged that the foundational promise of the Joliet Treatment Center — available treatment for the mentally troubled — had gone largely unfulfilled.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of unfulfilled
Adjective
  • The philosophy-minded writer, apart from being generally (and characteristically) misanthropic, was making a profound point.
    — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2026
  • Wealthy, misanthropic and obsessive-compulsive, Melvin Udall, played by Jack Nicholson, develops an unlikely bond with Carol, a waitress portrayed by Helen Hunt.
    — Camille Perri, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026
Definition of misanthropic

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Cite this Entry

“Disillusioned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disillusioned. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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