delusive

[ dih-loo-siv ]
See synonyms for delusive on Thesaurus.com
adjective
  1. tending to delude; misleading; deceptive: a delusive reply.

  2. of the nature of a delusion; false; unreal: a delusive belief.

Origin of delusive

1
First recorded in 1595–1605; delus(ion) + -ive
  • Also de·lu·so·ry [dih-loo-suh-ree]. /dɪˈlu sə ri/.

Other words from delusive

  • de·lu·sive·ly, adverb
  • de·lu·sive·ness, noun
  • non·de·lu·sive, adjective
  • un·de·lu·sive, adjective
  • un·de·lu·sive·ly, adverb
  • un·de·lu·sive·ness, noun
  • un·de·lu·so·ry, adjective

Words Nearby delusive

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use delusive in a sentence

  • Not long after this incident a delusive hope was held out to me that I might be able to return to civilisation.

  • A delusive appearance of novelty is one of the most dangerous weapons of Cupid.

    Tristram of Blent | Anthony Hope
  • Mr. Jevons speaks of Agamemnon's "confidence in the delusive dream" as at variance with his proceedings, and would excise II.

    Homer and His Age | Andrew Lang
  • They prophesied falsely, led the people away and awakened the delusive hope of an early return from the captivity.

    The Prophet Ezekiel | Arno C. Gaebelein