Illusory
Based on illusion; not real or true; deceptive or misleading in appearance or impression.
adjectiveIllusory
Based on illusion; not real or true; deceptive or misleading in appearance or impression.
adjectiveImagine This
Imagine a shimmering advertisement for a get-rich-quick scheme. At first it seems convincing, but as you investigate, you realize the promised riches are merely an illusory lure with no real substance.
Sounds Like
ih-LOO-suh-ree
Looks Like
Looks like illusion; contains the root 'illus-' related to illusion and ends with -ory (as in 'story' of something that may not be real).
Remember This
Illusory is closely tied to illusion and deception; use it for appearances or promises that mislead yet seem plausible at first glance.
Other Forms
Connect With
illusion, deception, delusion, deceptive, imaginary
Note
Do not use illusory for things that are actually real; use real, genuine, or authentic instead. Distinguish illusory (deceptive appearance) from elusive (hard to grasp or achieve).