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 triangle, however, is merely an optical illusion, with Procyon and Sirius at 11.4 and 8.7 light-years from the sun, but Betelgeuse at a whopping 650 light-years distant.
—
Jamie Carter, Space.com, 14 Apr. 2026
While attending Revolve Fest on April 11, the One Battle After Another actress showcased her ability to bend sartorial norms—and set new trends—while pairing an unusual futuristic chrome face accessory with an optical illusion netted naked dress.
—Lara Walsh, InStyle, 12 Apr. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for optical illusion
Jamie Carter, Space.com, 14 Apr. 2026
While attending Revolve Fest on April 11, the One Battle After Another actress showcased her ability to bend sartorial norms—and set new trends—while pairing an unusual futuristic chrome face accessory with an optical illusion netted naked dress.
—Lara Walsh, InStyle, 12 Apr. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for optical illusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for optical illusion
Noun
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The lobby’s circular floor plan gives the illusion of a lily pad floating atop a koi pond.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 May 2026
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Over the course of less than two months, these Islanders would be disarmed by the sun, the machinations of the producers, and the illusion of isolation and being apart from their phones for the first time in their lives.—
Anna Peele,
Vulture,
20 May 2026
Noun
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Only this second chance runs through youth reformatories and eventually the California State Prison – outside life is but a pipe dream.—
Zach Dennis,
Charlotte Observer,
15 May 2026
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But that seems to be a bit of a pipe dream.—
Jon Martindale,
PC Magazine,
15 May 2026
Noun
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The peak of Mercury's apparition (for latitude 40 degrees north) and its greatest elongation from the sun don't occur until the middle of June.—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
2 May 2026
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The museum site has been a paranormal hotbed for decades, with sightings of apparitions, security camera footage capturing items flying off shelves, as well as experiences from staff members and visitors.—
Gregory Harutunian,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Workers will continue with smaller tasks around the facade, including the installation of chimeras that sit on the roofline, but the heavy lifting has been completed, Walter said.—
Dylan Lovan,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Apr. 2026
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Rather than a somewhat normal for Hollywood bakeoff, Paramount plans to kind of smush the two scripts together into one IP chimera.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Optical illusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/optical%20illusion. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
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