as in references
a statement that refers to something without mentioning it directly
The lyrics contain biblical allusions.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of allusions
There are lyrical allusions to morphine and a pretty, romantic melody.
—
Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 3 Mar. 2025
In fact, the debate over the American constitution prompted many of the Founding Fathers to write under false names — many of them obvious allusions to the Roman Republic or ancient philosophy.
—Scotty Hendricks, Big Think, 18 Feb. 2025
The text is stuffed with allusions to high street brands such as Manolo Blahnik, Louis Vuitton, Kate Spade, Barneys, and more.
—H.m.a. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 8 Jan. 2025
The suggestion that Romy could lose everything at any moment is reaffirmed by Samuel’s dialogue and a pointed conversation with an older male power player in her company who makes allusions to knowing what happened with her (now former) intern near the end of the film.
—Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 26 Dec. 2024
The incoming administration has made several allusions to the use of ZBB, which theoretically allows the government to clean the slate and determine which activities to fund versus simply adopting last year’s funding level, adjusting for inflation, and budgeting from there.
—Doug Criscitello, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Instead, its vivid, expressive prose also explores how aesthetic beauty can cover stomach-churning abuse, while Lin’s rich literary allusions reveal her sensitivity to language and her critical interest in developing a Taiwanese cultural heritage.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 20 Dec. 2024
Yes, there are allusions to David Cronenberg in Coralie Fargeat’s film — including one very notable fly — but the real point of comparison is the director Brian Yuzna’s Society.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2024
His movies are full of literary allusions and references; their chapter structure and special typefaces—even the dense, angular layout of their production credits—give them a consciously novelistic feel.
—Alexandra Schwartz, The New Yorker, 13 Dec. 2024
Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 3 Mar. 2025
In fact, the debate over the American constitution prompted many of the Founding Fathers to write under false names — many of them obvious allusions to the Roman Republic or ancient philosophy.
—Scotty Hendricks, Big Think, 18 Feb. 2025
The text is stuffed with allusions to high street brands such as Manolo Blahnik, Louis Vuitton, Kate Spade, Barneys, and more.
—H.m.a. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 8 Jan. 2025
The suggestion that Romy could lose everything at any moment is reaffirmed by Samuel’s dialogue and a pointed conversation with an older male power player in her company who makes allusions to knowing what happened with her (now former) intern near the end of the film.
—Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 26 Dec. 2024
The incoming administration has made several allusions to the use of ZBB, which theoretically allows the government to clean the slate and determine which activities to fund versus simply adopting last year’s funding level, adjusting for inflation, and budgeting from there.
—Doug Criscitello, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Instead, its vivid, expressive prose also explores how aesthetic beauty can cover stomach-churning abuse, while Lin’s rich literary allusions reveal her sensitivity to language and her critical interest in developing a Taiwanese cultural heritage.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 20 Dec. 2024
Yes, there are allusions to David Cronenberg in Coralie Fargeat’s film — including one very notable fly — but the real point of comparison is the director Brian Yuzna’s Society.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2024
His movies are full of literary allusions and references; their chapter structure and special typefaces—even the dense, angular layout of their production credits—give them a consciously novelistic feel.
—Alexandra Schwartz, The New Yorker, 13 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Allusions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allusions. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share