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
Starting August 5th, the planet of communication will be traveling in reverse motion (this is an optical illusion, but the influence is profoundly felt by all zodiac signs).
—
Dossé-Via Trenou, refinery29.com, 30 July 2024
Nothing actually changes in space: the concept is actually one giant optical illusion.
—Austin American-Statesman, 6 Apr. 2024
About every two years, Earth overtakes Mars, creating the optical illusion that Mars is moving backward against the backdrop of distant stars.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
Of course, the vanishing act is little more than an optical illusion to stargazers on Earth.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 30 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for optical illusion 
Dossé-Via Trenou, refinery29.com, 30 July 2024
Nothing actually changes in space: the concept is actually one giant optical illusion.
—Austin American-Statesman, 6 Apr. 2024
About every two years, Earth overtakes Mars, creating the optical illusion that Mars is moving backward against the backdrop of distant stars.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
Of course, the vanishing act is little more than an optical illusion to stargazers on Earth.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 30 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for optical illusion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for optical illusion
Noun
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Your illusion of righteousness only fuels my authenticity.—
Natasha Dye,
People.com,
7 Feb. 2025
-
Why deceive the public? Being sold on the illusion of a beautiful new unique structure that will be a great community addition.—
Contributed Content,
Twin Cities,
6 Feb. 2025
Noun
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At that time, the notion that Kelce could become one of the most accomplished tight ends in NFL history and boyfriend to Swift was a pipe dream at best.—
Jackson Thompson,
Fox News,
5 Feb. 2025
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Americans will soon find out if Project 2025 is a blueprint or a pipe dream.—
Diane Brady,
Fortune,
6 Nov. 2024
Noun
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There’s a kind of Gothic quality to the apparitions, calling to mind Edward Gorey figures, but all smeared and melted and smudged.—
Alissa Wilkinson,
New York Times,
2 Jan. 2025
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There have been no sightings, no fleeting apparitions.—
David Ornstein,
The Athletic,
6 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near optical illusion
Cite this Entry
“Optical illusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/optical%20illusion. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
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