optical illusion
noun
plural optical illusions
: a misleading image presented to the vision
Zebras look like optical illusions to me. Which are they—black with white stripes or white with black stripes?—
Al Robinson
Al RobinsonThe sun, moon, and planets circle above the terrestrial plane in the region of the equator. Their apparent rising and setting is an optical illusion caused by atmospheric refraction …—Ranger Rick
Ranger RickExamples of optical illusion in a Sentence
The closer building looks larger than the farther one, but it's just an optical illusion. The two buildings are actually the same size.
Recent Examples on the Web
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
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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
Dictionary Entries Near optical illusion
Cite this Entry
“Optical illusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optical%20illusion. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.
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