noun
- optical illusions caused by atmospheric conditions, especially the appearance of water or objects that are not actually present
- something that appears real or possible but is actually illusory or unattainable
Usage: figurative
Examples
- The travelers saw mirages of water in the desert heat.
- Highway mirages made the road appear wet on hot summer days.
- Scientists explained how mirages form when light bends through air layers of different temperatures.
- His promises of easy wealth turned out to be mirages.
- The company’s projected profits were nothing but mirages.
- She chased mirages of success that never materialized.