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 next

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 The series focuses on the dynamics of one Danish family and the stripping away of their—and our—delusions about climate change, status, exile, and separation. —

Air Mail, 21 June 2025 Though her mother was never diagnosed, E.A. believes Dillingham was bipolar with episodes of extreme paranoia and delusion. —

Dayna Haffenden, People.com, 5 June 2025 Among these, schizophrenia, a complex mental health condition marked by hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking, stands out. —

William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025 Ultimately, there may be no way for Israel to escape its smart-bomb delusion—or another quagmire in the Middle East. —

Robert A. Pape, Foreign Affairs, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for delusion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for delusion

Noun

The illusion is caused by the moon being seen close to the horizon, where trees and buildings give the human brain context.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Call it pixie dust, projection, illusion, artifice — who really cares?

— Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 11 July 2025

Definition of illusion

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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 18 Jul. 2025.

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Last Updated: 18 Jul 2025 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of delusion

noun

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