HALLUCINATION Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'hallucination' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of hallucination are delusion , illusion , and mirage . While all these words mean "something that is believed to be true or real but that is actually false or unreal," hallucination implies impressions that are the product of disordered senses, as because of mental illness or drugs. // suffered from terrifying hallucinations

Q: When is it sensible to use 'delusion' instead of 'hallucination'?

The words delusion and hallucination are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 'illusion' be used instead of 'hallucination'?

Although the words illusion and hallucination have much in common, illusion implies a false ascribing of reality based on what one sees or imagines. // an illusion of safety

Q: When is 'mirage' a more appropriate choice than 'hallucination'?

While in some cases nearly identical to hallucination , mirage in its extended sense applies to an illusory vision, dream, hope, or aim. // claimed a balanced budget is a mirage

hallucination

noun

hə-ˌlü-sə-ˈnā-shən

Definition of hallucination next

as in illusion

a conception or image created by the imagination and having no objective reality were the voices real, or merely a hallucination?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in delusion

a false idea or belief the common hallucination that gluttony during the holiday season doesn't have consequences

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

truth
verity

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun hallucination contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of hallucination are delusion, illusion, and mirage. While all these words mean "something that is believed to be true or real but that is actually false or unreal," hallucination implies impressions that are the product of disordered senses, as because of mental illness or drugs.

suffered from terrifying hallucinations

When is it sensible to use delusion instead of hallucination?

The words delusion and hallucination are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 illusion be used instead of hallucination?

Although the words illusion and hallucination have much in common, illusion implies a false ascribing of reality based on what one sees or imagines.

an illusion of safety

When is mirage a more appropriate choice than hallucination?

While in some cases nearly identical to hallucination, mirage in its extended sense applies to an illusory vision, dream, hope, or aim.

claimed a balanced budget is a mirage

Examples 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 hallucination Deterioration from rabies can often bring unbearable brain dysfunctions such as anxiety, confusion, agitation and hallucinations, the CDC says. —

David K. Li, NBC News, 3 Dec. 2024 However, after a while, patients may develop a headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and visual problems, ranging from blurred vision to hallucinations or total loss of vision. —

Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024 Try to detect an AI hallucination as soon as possible, and either stop it from emerging or at least warn the user that the response is potentially based on an AI hallucination. —

Lance Eliot, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024 So, if Peacemaker did not in fact meet the Justice League at the end of Season 1, that will turn out to be a PTSD hallucination or something? —

Charlie Mason, TVLine, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hallucination

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hallucination

Noun

Even without the illusion, the cabin is good and spacious.

David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Dec. 2024
Because at 200 feet, the FAA requires warning lights and Disney Imagineers (Disney’s word for the engineers, creatives, and designers who dream, build, and product experiences in Disney Parks) did not want to break the illusion of being transported to another world.

Deanne Revel, Southern Living, 26 Dec. 2024