mirage

IPA: mɝˈɑʒ

An optical phenomenon in which light is refracted through a layer of hot air close to the ground, often giving the illusion of a body of water.
(figuratively) An illusion.

Examples of "mirage" in Sentences

As they trekked through the desert, the shimmering mirage on the horizon seemed to taunt them with promises of water and shade
The oasis they had been desperately searching for turned out to be nothing but a mirage, a cruel trick of the shimmering heat
The mirage created by the hot pavement seemed to make the road stretch on endlessly in front of them
The mirage of success in the distance kept them pushing forward, even when obstacles seemed insurmountable
The mirage of happiness they had built up in their minds began to fade as reality set in