as in illusion
a conception or image created by the imagination and having no objective reality
a sci-fi author who seems to have preferred the unrealities of his own fiction to the realities of the world about him
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example 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 unreality
But scientists are finding these imaginings useful, as the machines dream up riots of unrealities that have helped researchers track cancer, design drugs, invent medical devices, uncover weather phenomena and even win a Nobel Prize.
—
Natasha Frost, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2024
Four centuries after Galileo, the United States has become an epicenter of unreality.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 25 Nov. 2024
Through its official media, ISIS stoked support around the world for its vivid unreality—the Salafi jihadist utopia—and presented a comprehensive and exactingly consistent picture of what life there was supposedly like.
—Charlie Winter, Foreign Affairs, 31 Jan. 2017
Yes, the unreality of Penelope’s fable-like frequency can be discombobulating; seasoned outdoors enthusiasts and Alone heads will probably pull their hair out at the lack of realistic detail.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 4 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for unreality 
Natasha Frost, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2024
Four centuries after Galileo, the United States has become an epicenter of unreality.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 25 Nov. 2024
Through its official media, ISIS stoked support around the world for its vivid unreality—the Salafi jihadist utopia—and presented a comprehensive and exactingly consistent picture of what life there was supposedly like.
—Charlie Winter, Foreign Affairs, 31 Jan. 2017
Yes, the unreality of Penelope’s fable-like frequency can be discombobulating; seasoned outdoors enthusiasts and Alone heads will probably pull their hair out at the lack of realistic detail.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 4 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for unreality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unreality
Noun
-
Your illusion of righteousness only fuels my authenticity.—
Natasha Dye,
People.com,
7 Feb. 2025
-
Why deceive the public? Being sold on the illusion of a beautiful new unique structure that will be a great community addition.—
Contributed Content,
Twin Cities,
6 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Many of the archival clips had been featured in one or more of the prior anniversary shows, like Martin and Gilda Radner frantically dancing together at a bar, or a short film where Phil Hartman and Jan Hooks shared a fantasy waltz.—
Alan Sepinwall,
Rolling Stone,
17 Feb. 2025
-
Heralded for its visuals, the fantasy feature follows a young deity who defies destiny and wields supernatural powers to protect his people from his formidable foes.—
Shania Russell,
EW.com,
16 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Melina is the mother of a mixed family, led by patriarch Tim (an often unnecessary naked Lars Eidinger), who himself is a former leftist who’s killed his own years-dead liberal dreams by selling out to a company that makes performatively humanitarian promos for planet-wrecking corporations.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
14 Feb. 2025
-
Louisiana, Arizona end pauses on capital punishment as 3 executions set for March Texas pastor with simple dream killed in his own church.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr.,
USA TODAY,
14 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Devastated by her older sister Minnie's sudden death, Junie finds solace in poetry and fantastical daydreams, while secretly exploring the forest at night.—
Erin Crosby Eckstine,
People.com,
7 Feb. 2025
-
The film takes you on an emotional journey through the girls’ memories, the reality of the situation and their daydreams, which helped keep them sane as 45 days passed before anyone realized what had happened to them.—
Cheryl Robinson,
Forbes,
9 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Danielle, a mastermind on Big Brother, is a portrait of delusion.—
Alex Abad-Santos,
Vox,
6 Feb. 2025
-
Fans, as usual, suffer from the delusion that someone else should pay for their football club and subsidise its continual losses.—
Jack Lang,
The Athletic,
24 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
One Oiler almost went with the two superstars but wanted Mattias Ekholm’s poise and vision.—
Daniel Nugent-Bowman,
The Athletic,
17 Feb. 2025
-
Running a $10 billion district with more than 44,000 employees and 320,000 students demands a firm grasp of budgeting, a clear long-term vision and relentless focus on student outcomes.—
Sendhil Revuluri,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near unreality
Cite this Entry
“Unreality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unreality. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share