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illusionary

American

[ih-loo-zhuh-ner-ee] / ɪˈlu ʒəˌnɛr i /

Also illusional

adjective

of, relating to, or characterized by illusions; deceptive; misleading.

Other Word Forms

nonillusional adjective

Etymology

Origin of illusionary

First recorded in 1885–90; illusion + -ary

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

All these illusionary names are what tort lawyers call attractive nuisances, enticing but dangerous.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 12, 2025

"Chasing this illusionary goal will only prolong the war and cause more suffering."

From BBC • Feb. 12, 2025

As computer scientists have warned us, the algorithms behind AI systems are capable of inexplicable mistakes and "hallucinations" — seemingly reasonable results that are entirely illusionary.

From Salon • Jul. 15, 2023

That love has been buried by more than 40 years of neglect, save for the occasional illusionary moments of promise.

From Washington Times • Apr. 11, 2023

Leo remembered all too well how she’d led him through the illusionary maze in the House of Hades.

From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023