illusory implies a false impression based on deceptive resemblance or faulty observation, or influenced by emotions that prevent a clear view.

ILLUSORY definition: causing illusion; deceptive; misleading. See examples of illusory used in a sentence.

If you describe something as illusory, you mean that although it seems true or possible, it is in fact false or impossible. His freedom is illusory. ...the illusory nature of nationhood.

That unanimity, however, is illusory, often just a technical agreement on the bottom line of a case -- who won and who lost.

Define illusory. illusory synonyms, illusory pronunciation, illusory translation, English dictionary definition of illusory. adj. Produced by, based on, or having the nature of an illusion; deceptive: an illusory …

Definition of illusory adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Dec 14, 2025 · illusory (comparative more illusory, superlative most illusory) Resulting from an illusion; deceptive, imaginary, unreal. quotations

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2024 il•lu•so•ry /ɪˈlusəri, -zə-/ adj. causing or like an illusion; deceptive: illusory hopes of success. il•lu•so•ri•ly /ɪˈlusərəli/ adv. …

illusory meaning, definition, what is illusory: false but seeming to be real or true: Learn more.

Britannica Dictionary definition of ILLUSORY [more illusory; most illusory] formal : based on something that is not true or real : based on an illusion an illusory hope an illusory sense of security