MIRAGE Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of mirage are delusion , hallucination , and illusion . While all these words mean "something that is believed to be true or real but that is actually false or unreal," mirage in its extended sense applies to an illusory vision, dream, hope, or aim. // claimed a balanced budget is a mirage

Q: Where would 'delusion' be a reasonable alternative to 'mirage'?

The words delusion and mirage can be used in similar contexts, but 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 could 'hallucination' be used to replace 'mirage'?

In some situations, the words hallucination and mirage are roughly equivalent. However, hallucination implies impressions that are the product of disordered senses, as because of mental illness or drugs. // suffered from terrifying hallucinations

Q: When can 'illusion' be used instead of 'mirage'?

While the synonyms illusion and mirage are close in meaning, illusion implies a false ascribing of reality based on what one sees or imagines. // an illusion of safety

mirage

noun

Definition of mirage next

as in daydream

something that comes from or exists only in the mind and is not real He thought he saw water up ahead but it was just a mirage.

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How does the noun mirage contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of mirage are delusion, hallucination, and illusion. While all these words mean "something that is believed to be true or real but that is actually false or unreal," mirage in its extended sense applies to an illusory vision, dream, hope, or aim.

claimed a balanced budget is a mirage

Where would delusion be a reasonable alternative to mirage?

The words delusion and mirage can be used in similar contexts, but 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 could hallucination be used to replace mirage?

In some situations, the words hallucination and mirage are roughly equivalent. However, hallucination implies impressions that are the product of disordered senses, as because of mental illness or drugs.

suffered from terrifying hallucinations

When can illusion be used instead of mirage?

While the synonyms illusion and mirage are close in meaning, illusion implies a false ascribing of reality based on what one sees or imagines.

an illusion of safety

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 mirage Beyond them, the end of the quarter-mile track pooled into a mirage of liquid black. —

Rachel Kushner, Harper's Magazine, 2 Dec. 2024 Or if not a mirage, then results exaggerated by expectations so low that anything good would've looked great. —

Nick Suss, The Tennessean, 16 Dec. 2024 Denver’s defense eventually ensured those early flashes were nothing more than a mirage, as the Colts converted only one of their next 10 chances on third down after those early conversions. —

Nick Kosmider, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024 For me, trying to decide which one to finally do was like being in a desert between two mirages. —

Mike Sacks, Vulture, 4 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mirage

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mirage

Noun

The season’s sensory cues—such as the scent of pine or the softness of a knitted scarf—creates a cinematic backdrop for romance, sparking daydreams and inspiring acts of affection.

— Mark Travers, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
Its juicy cheeseburgers and sweet, sticky Hershey's brand milkshakes and sundaes were the stuff of daydreams.

— Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 22 Dec. 2024