Illustration of illusion
- a and b are equal in length
illusion
noun
il·lu·sion
i-ˈlü-zhən 
plural illusions
1
a(1)
: a misleading image presented to the vision : optical illusion
(2)
: something that deceives or misleads intellectually
b(1)
: perception of something objectively existing in such a way as to cause misinterpretation of its actual nature
(2)
(3)
: a pattern capable of reversible perspective
2
a(1)
: the state or fact of being intellectually deceived or misled : misapprehension
(2)
: an instance of such deception
b
obsolete
: the action of deceiving
3
: a fine plain transparent bobbinet or tulle usually made of silk and used for veils, trimmings, and dresses
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Allusion and Illusion
Allusion and illusion may share some portion of their ancestry (both words come in part from the Latin word ludere, meaning “to play”), and sound quite similar, but they are distinct words with very different meanings. An allusion is an indirect reference, whereas an illusion is something that is unreal or incorrect. Each of the nouns has a related verb form: allude “to refer indirectly to,” and illude (not a very common word), which may mean “to delude or deceive” or “to subject to an illusion.”
Synonyms
Examples of illusion in a Sentence
The video game is designed to give the illusion that you are in control of an airplane.
They used paint to create the illusion of metal.
She says that all progress is just an illusion.
Recent Examples on the Web
Spot black swans, clash unlike things together, design bold alternatives, find hidden loopholes, and craft first-mover illusions.
—
Jodie Cook, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Her pant legs maintain a straight silhouette and are cut long, amplifying an illusion of height.
—Andrea Bossi, Essence, 6 Nov. 2024
Missing Movies argues that while streaming services offer the illusion of unlimited options and choice, there are many films that are still unavailable, and archivists are still vital to the industry.
—Brian Welk, IndieWire, 6 Nov. 2024
But behind the illusion is a coordinated effort that takes six weeks and crosses many areas of the park’s operations, from horticulture to culinary departments.
—Michele Luhn, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for illusion 
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Jodie Cook, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Her pant legs maintain a straight silhouette and are cut long, amplifying an illusion of height.
—Andrea Bossi, Essence, 6 Nov. 2024
Missing Movies argues that while streaming services offer the illusion of unlimited options and choice, there are many films that are still unavailable, and archivists are still vital to the industry.
—Brian Welk, IndieWire, 6 Nov. 2024
But behind the illusion is a coordinated effort that takes six weeks and crosses many areas of the park’s operations, from horticulture to culinary departments.
—Michele Luhn, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for illusion
Dictionary Entries Near illusion
Cite this Entry
“Illusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illusion. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
illusion
noun
il·lu·sion
il-ˈü-zhən
1
: a misleading image presented to the eye
2
: the state or fact of being led to accept as true something unreal or imagined
3
: a mistaken idea
Medical Definition
illusion
noun
il·lu·sion
il-ˈü-zhən
1
: a misleading image presented as a visual stimulus
2
a
: perception of something objectively existing in such a way as to cause misinterpretation of its actual nature
especially
: optical illusion compare delusion sense 2
c
: a pattern capable of reversible perspective
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