illusionist

noun

il·​lu·​sion·​ist i-ˈlü-zh(ə-)nist 

: a person who produces illusory effects: such as

a

: a sleight-of-hand performer or a magician

b

: one (such as an artist) whose work is marked by illusionism

illusionistic

i-ˌlü-zhə-ˈni-stik 

adjective

illusionistically

i-ˌlü-zhə-ˈni-sti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• conjurer
• conjuror
• magician
• prestidigitator
• trickster

Examples of illusionist in a Sentence

tried to figure out how the illusionist made his assistant disappear from the stage

Recent Examples on the Web

Among them: a three-night stay in an Italian lighthouse (Faro Punta Imperatore), a private mentalist performance from renowned illusionist Lior Suchard, and a $10,000 pet wellness package from Dog’s Dinner, reinforcing the increasing consumer demand for ultra-luxury pet care. —Kate Hardcastle, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025

This ‘man behind the curtain’ effect was crucial — the Wizard, after all, was ultimately a mere carnival illusionist at heart, incapable of wielding true magic. —Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 17 Feb. 2025

Comic and illusionist Penn Jillette also contributed a biographical essay about his close friend, and another pal, comedy roast specialist Jeff Ross, came up with the album title, and one side of the double album is etched with a reproduction of Gilbert’s artwork, Chico Needed the Money. —Frank Digiacomo, Billboard, 3 Feb. 2025

Camouflaged among desert rocks, the deadly illusionist extends its spider-like tail into the open and twitches it to summon hungry insect-eating birds. —Ryley Graham, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

illusionist

noun

il·​lu·​sion·​ist i-ˈlü-zhə-nist 

: a person who produces illusions

especially : a performer of sleight of hand or a magician