apparent suggests appearance to unaided senses that may or may not be borne out by more rigorous examination or greater knowledge.
the apparent cause of the accident
illusory implies a false impression based on deceptive resemblance or faulty observation, or influenced by emotions that prevent a clear view.
an illusory sense of security
seeming implies a character in the thing observed that gives it the appearance, sometimes through intent, of something else.
the seeming simplicity of the story
ostensible suggests a discrepancy between an openly declared or naturally implied aim or reason and the true one.
the ostensible reason for their visit
Examples of illusory in a Sentence
an illusory sense of security
Recent Examples on the WebSaito highlights the Netherlands Fallacy, named for that country’s illusory attainment of both high living standards and low levels of pollution—a reality achieved by displacing externalities.—The New Yorker, 12 June 2024 Content by this author: China’s Economic Slowdown Was Inevitable
The illusory success of state capitalism.—Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2024 An illusory consensus held together by economic growth has dissolved.—Jennifer Szalai, New York Times, 8 June 2024 Her position living in the expats’ shadow makes having a choice completely illusory.—Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for illusory
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'illusory.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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