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
The trippy look was almost an optical illusion, with a trompe l’oeil, lapel and briefcase designed on the overcoat.
—
Rachel Raposas, People.com, 6 May 2025
In 1976, the Viking 1 orbiter took a photo of a face on Mars, which turned out to be an optical illusion of shadows on a hill.
—Darryl Seligman, Space.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Costume designer Paul Tazewell, who collaborated with Thom Browne on Janelle Monáe’s optical illusion dress and designed Chappell Roan’s pink suit, benefited from online discussions.
—Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 12 May 2025
There's also an optical illusions section that can be fun for children who like to be perplexed.
—Anna Halkidis, Parents, 19 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for optical illusion
Rachel Raposas, People.com, 6 May 2025
In 1976, the Viking 1 orbiter took a photo of a face on Mars, which turned out to be an optical illusion of shadows on a hill.
—Darryl Seligman, Space.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Costume designer Paul Tazewell, who collaborated with Thom Browne on Janelle Monáe’s optical illusion dress and designed Chappell Roan’s pink suit, benefited from online discussions.
—Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 12 May 2025
There's also an optical illusions section that can be fun for children who like to be perplexed.
—Anna Halkidis, Parents, 19 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for optical illusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for optical illusion
Noun
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But here’s the thing: Quantity isn’t the problem—illusion is.—
Sabeer Nelliparamban,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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Bistro lighting hung overhead to give the illusion of a starry night sky.—
Ashlyn Robinette,
People.com,
30 June 2025
Noun
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If brands can’t execute the fundamentals and instead create friction, asking them to change their instinctive shopping behaviors will be a pipe dream.—
Rytis Lauris,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2025
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In other words, sustainability isn’t just a pipe dream here.—
Nashia Baker,
Architectural Digest,
29 May 2025
Noun
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Venus reaches its point of greatest western elongation on June 1, at which time the dazzling 'morning star' will be at its most distant point from the sun in Earth's sky during its pre-dawn apparition.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
31 May 2025
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The more apparitions that arrive, the more the Delta blues mashes up with hip-hop, rock, and other styles.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
19 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Optical illusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/optical%20illusion. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.
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