as in illusion
an image that tricks a person's vision
Some may dismiss what we witnessed that night as an optical illusion, but we firmly believe it was a UFO.
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Recent Examples of optical illusion
But that number was an optical illusion following Robert Saleh’s firing after Week 5.
—
Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 14 July 2025
The attraction includes dozens of optical illusions and mind-bending exhibits that create unusual photo opportunities.
—Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 June 2025
Stylist Harry Lambert dressed Regan in an optical illusion number from Central Saint Martins graduate Petra Fagerstrom’s award-winning, AI glitches, real-life-hybrid graduate collection.
—Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 12 June 2025
These optical illusion pants are made from a supersoft sweatpant-like material that’s screen-printed with denim details.
—Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for optical illusion
Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 14 July 2025
The attraction includes dozens of optical illusions and mind-bending exhibits that create unusual photo opportunities.
—Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 June 2025
Stylist Harry Lambert dressed Regan in an optical illusion number from Central Saint Martins graduate Petra Fagerstrom’s award-winning, AI glitches, real-life-hybrid graduate collection.
—Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 12 June 2025
These optical illusion pants are made from a supersoft sweatpant-like material that’s screen-printed with denim details.
—Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for optical illusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for optical illusion
Noun
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Like the film that inspired it, the book circles intimacy, illusion, blondes and brunettes, the psychic architecture of Los Angeles.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Aug. 2025
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Choose temporary discomfort over living in illusion.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The Twins right-hander was probably a pipe dream all along, but there were reports connecting the Red Sox and Twins.—
Mike Cole,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 July 2025
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One group, the Partnership for New York City, which represents a group of nearly 300 CEOs, said many of Mamdani’s proposals are pipe dreams.—
Elisabeth Buchwald,
CNN Money,
25 June 2025
Noun
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There’s nothing in the world quite like this abbey, located on an island and rising out of the bay like a heavenly apparition.—
Chloe Arrojado,
AFAR Media,
25 July 2025
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Mercury reaches its point of greatest eastern elongation on Friday (July 4), presenting an excellent opportunity to spot the rocky planet during its evening apparition in the post-sunset sky.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
2 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Optical illusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/optical%20illusion. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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