mirage

illusion

noun

A deceptive appearance or impression.

apparition

noun

A ghostly or unexpected image that seems to appear.

phantom

noun

Something perceived but lacking physical reality.

hallucination

noun

A sensory perception without an external source.

vision

noun

An image seen in the mind or imagination.

delusion

noun

A belief or impression contradicted by reality.

figment

noun

Something invented or imagined.

chimera

noun

A fanciful idea or unreal creature of imagination.

fantasy

noun

An imagined scene or possibility.

daydream

noun

A pleasant train of thought detached from the present.

fata morgana

noun

A complex atmospheric mirage often seen over water.

optical illusion

noun

A visual perception that differs from physical reality.