mirage

/məˈrɑʒ/
noun
  1. An optical illusion caused by hot air, making distant objects appear to be water or a reflection, especially in a desert or on a road.
    • In the desert, a mirage can trick you into thinking there is an oasis nearby.
    • The thirsty travelers saw a mirage of a lake on the horizon.
    • Driving down the highway, the heat created a mirage that looked like water on the asphalt.
  2. Something that is hoped for or desired but is not real or possible; an illusion.
    • His hopes for a peaceful resolution were just a mirage.
    • For many, the American Dream has become a mirage that is hard to reach.
    • The promise of easy wealth turned out to be a mirage.
Antonyms