What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
phantasmagoria
Example
The phantasmagoria of colors and shapes in the abstract painting was mesmerizing. [phantasmagoria: noun]
Example
The haunted house was filled with phantasmagoric images and sounds that made visitors jump. [phantasmagoric: adjective]
illusion
Example
The magician created the illusion of a floating ball with mirrors and smoke. [illusion: noun]
Example
The oasis in the desert turned out to be an illusion caused by a mirage. [illusion: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Illusion is more commonly used than phantasmagoria in everyday language. Illusion is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while phantasmagoria is less common and refers to a more specific type of visual experience.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between phantasmagoria and illusion?
Both phantasmagoria and illusion are formal words that are more likely to be used in artistic, literary, or academic contexts than in everyday conversation.
