as in illusions
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.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of optical illusions
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
Brief, startling moments of illumination are everywhere in its stories; so are all kinds of optical illusions and distortions.
—Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2025
What Schiaparelli observed in good faith, and Lowell in blind faith, were optical illusions caused by dust storms and the chance alignment of surface features like craters.
—David Kamp, Air Mail, 23 Aug. 2025
Museum of Illusions, an international edutainment franchise, offers interactive optical illusions and sensory experiences.
—Marcus Smith, Sacbee.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 29 Sep. 2025
Brief, startling moments of illumination are everywhere in its stories; so are all kinds of optical illusions and distortions.
—Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2025
What Schiaparelli observed in good faith, and Lowell in blind faith, were optical illusions caused by dust storms and the chance alignment of surface features like craters.
—David Kamp, Air Mail, 23 Aug. 2025
Museum of Illusions, an international edutainment franchise, offers interactive optical illusions and sensory experiences.
—Marcus Smith, Sacbee.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for optical illusions
Noun
-
To stop this quarterback, Mizzou can’t get tricked by his illusions.—
Chase Gemes,
Kansas City Star,
24 Oct. 2025
-
What illusions have been too sweet to let go of?—
Dossé-Via Trenou,
Refinery29,
19 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The idea that renewables alone can power the American economy is nonsense given the current technology, green pipe dreams notwithstanding.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Throughout modern history, visitors have reported ghostly apparitions according to Scary Stories of Mammoth Cave.—
Graham Averill,
Outside,
28 Oct. 2025
-
Over the years, those apparitions have become just as much of a fixture in the Palace as the ornamental turrets and columns.—
Maggie Menderski,
Louisville Courier Journal,
8 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Optical illusions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/optical%20illusions. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share