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Definition of illusionary

illusionary

/ɪˈluːʒəˌnɛri/
il · lu · sion · ar · y
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illusionary Lexical Profile

illusionary Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Based on, producing, or having the nature of an illusion; deceptive, unreal, or misleading.

Example

"The company's rapid growth proved to be illusionary once the underlying accounting discrepancies were exposed."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for illusionary
Antonyms
View all antonyms for illusionary

Word Nuance & Usage

While "illusionary" is widely used in modern English, careful writers and editors generally prefer the shorter and older adjective "illusory" to mean deceptive or based on an illusion.

• Rhymes for illusionary

• Nearby Words

illuminator
illusion
illusional
illusionary
illusionist
illusive
illusively

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the 18th century from "illusion" plus the suffix "-ary", ultimately tracing back to the Latin "illusio" (a mocking or deceit), from "illudere" (to mock or play with).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Illusionary. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/illusionary
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