optical illusion
noun
plural optical illusions
: a misleading image presented to the vision
Zebras look like optical illusions to me. Which are they—black with white stripes or white with black stripes?—
Al Robinson
Al RobinsonThe sun, moon, and planets circle above the terrestrial plane in the region of the equator. Their apparent rising and setting is an optical illusion caused by atmospheric refraction …—Ranger Rick
Ranger RickExamples of optical illusion in a Sentence
The closer building looks larger than the farther one, but it's just an optical illusion. The two buildings are actually the same size.
Recent Examples on the Web
But that proved to be an optical illusion.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
The complications showcased in Schulz-Hildebrandt’s nine dot optical illusion is a great example of a phenomenon called simultaneous contrast.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 25 Mar. 2026
For the Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty, Kidman changed into a netted gold optical illusion gown, also from Chanel.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 18 Mar. 2026
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles actress has been laying low since giving birth last summer, albeit making a surprise appearance in a nude optical illusion corset dress that appeared to be dripping with blood at a special Jennifer’s Body event in October.
—Lara Walsh, InStyle, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for optical illusion
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Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
The complications showcased in Schulz-Hildebrandt’s nine dot optical illusion is a great example of a phenomenon called simultaneous contrast.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 25 Mar. 2026
For the Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty, Kidman changed into a netted gold optical illusion gown, also from Chanel.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 18 Mar. 2026
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles actress has been laying low since giving birth last summer, albeit making a surprise appearance in a nude optical illusion corset dress that appeared to be dripping with blood at a special Jennifer’s Body event in October.
—Lara Walsh, InStyle, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for optical illusion
Cite this Entry
“Optical illusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optical%20illusion. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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