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
The level of the equity market and the tightness of credit spreads may have created something of an optical illusion that all elements of the world are in a better place.
—Hugh Leask, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025
Among the shoes were some fascinating hybrid designs which presented an optical illusion of sorts.
—Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2025
This chevron pick creates an optical illusion underfoot to hide any dirt or debris.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2025
Known for surrealistic designs and sculptural shapes, Harri transformed mostly wide-leg jeans into optical illusions with through prints and gradients.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for optical illusion
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Hugh Leask, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025
Among the shoes were some fascinating hybrid designs which presented an optical illusion of sorts.
—Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2025
This chevron pick creates an optical illusion underfoot to hide any dirt or debris.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2025
Known for surrealistic designs and sculptural shapes, Harri transformed mostly wide-leg jeans into optical illusions with through prints and gradients.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 29 Sep. 2025
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 18 Oct. 2025.
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