will-o'-the-wisp

[wil-uh-thuh-wisp] / ˈwɪl ə ðəˈwɪsp /

NOUN

ignis fatuus

Synonyms

WEAK

apparition bubble chimera confusion daydream deception deja vu delusion error fallacy false impression fancy fantasy figment of imagination fool's paradise ghost hallucination head trip hocus-pocus idolism ignus fatuus image invention make believe mirage misapprehension misbelief misconception misimpression mockery myth optical illusion paramnesia phantasm phantasma pipe dream rainbow seeming semblance trip virtual reality

NOUN

wish fulfillment

Synonyms

WEAK

dream vision ignis fatuus wish-fulfillment fantasy

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.

More myths would have surrounded the eerie blue glow of will-o'-the-wisp – methane from peat beds burning over the top of the marshes.

From BBC

But the little light version slipped through her fingers like a will-o'-the-wisp.

From Literature

The independence referendum is the will-o'-the-wisp of the Scottish election campaign.

From BBC

The lively, self-aware musical has such a will-o'-the-wisp quality that you fear it will disappear if you attempt to fence it in.

From Los Angeles Times

Chasing will-o'-the-wisp planners, judges and environmental activists is mere skirmishing.

From The Guardian

will-o'-the-wisp

Example Sentences

Related Words