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
An optical illusion solved the fireplace’s off-center placement.
—
R. Daniel Foster,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
The actress opted for a pale blue McQueen gown with an optical illusion design.
—
Meg Walters,
InStyle,
30 June 2026
Shinnecock’s fairways create optical illusions off the tee, the bunkering is treacherous and the greens are, in some places, designed to repel the ball from the putting surfaces.
—
Gabby Herzig,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
The optical illusion may stem from Rivian using a semi-monocoque and sandwich battery layout rather than a true skateboard, providing more than 9 inches (229 mm) of additional wheelbase than the Rav4.
—
ArsTechnica,
9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for optical illusion
R. Daniel Foster,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
The actress opted for a pale blue McQueen gown with an optical illusion design.
—
Meg Walters,
InStyle,
30 June 2026
Shinnecock’s fairways create optical illusions off the tee, the bunkering is treacherous and the greens are, in some places, designed to repel the ball from the putting surfaces.
—
Gabby Herzig,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
The optical illusion may stem from Rivian using a semi-monocoque and sandwich battery layout rather than a true skateboard, providing more than 9 inches (229 mm) of additional wheelbase than the Rav4.
—
ArsTechnica,
9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for optical illusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for optical illusion
Noun
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His update on the C-cut began just below the chin, with extra lift at the roots and inward-curving lengths that narrowed toward the ends to create the illusion of a heart.
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Following the fall of Poland in September 1939, and before Germany invaded Denmark and Norway in April 1940, the absence of sustained military operations created the illusion of normalcy.
Noun
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But instant 100% tariffs look like a pipe dream given the constraints of the trade law.
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Once a pipe dream, the idea of a federal film subsidy now seems like a real possibility.
Noun
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Reports of strange sounds, apparitions, and unexplained encounters continue to attract visitors.
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Why then, when discussing body image after weight changes, is our culture reaching for the language of vexing apparitions and death?
Noun
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Additional cast members include Lorenzo James Henrie (Fear the Walking Dead), Lorenzo Richelmy (Netflix's Marco Polo), Vincenzo Nemolato (La chimera), and Rupert Everett (My Best Friend's Wedding).
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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.
Cite this Entry
“Optical illusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/optical%20illusion. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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