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Definitions

myopic

[mahy-op-ik, -oh-pik] / maɪˈɒp ɪk, -ˈoʊ pɪk /
ADJECTIVE
able only to see things near at hand
Synonyms
STRONGEST
nearsighted shortsighted
WEAK
astigmatic biased blind halfsighted presbyopic
Antonyms
WEAK
far-sighted

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for myopic?
The literal sense of myopic means the same thing as nearsighted or shortsighted—meaning a person can’t see distant things clearly. The medical term for this condition is myopia, and mypoic is its adjective form. Myopic is commonly used in a metaphorical way. It can describe a person who doesn’t thoroughly think things through, or it can describe things, such as decisions or plans, that lack foresight. A decision or plan considered myopic could be described as ill-advised or ill-considered. Nearsighted and shortsighted can also be used in this metaphorical way. Myopic can also be used to describe someone considered narrow-minded or closed-minded—intolerant or lacking understanding.
What is the opposite (antonym) of myopic?
In terms of literal eyesight, myopia (nearsightedness) could be considered the “opposite” of farsightedness, technically known as hyperopia, whose adjective form is hyperopic (hypermetropic and hypermetropical are also used). The word farsighted can be considered an antonym of both the literal and figurative senses of myopic. It suggests foresight or prudent planning. The opposite of the sense of myopic meaning narrow-minded or closed-minded is open-minded or tolerant.
Where does myopic come from?
The word myopic comes from a Greek word meaning “nearsighted,” or, more literally, “blinking.” It’s a combination of roots meaning “shut” and “eye.” The first records of the word myopic in English come from the late 1700s.
How do you use myopic in a sentence?
Myopic is commonly used in a metaphorical sense. It’s often applied to poorly thought-out plans or decisions, or to the people who make them. Here are some examples of myopic in a sentence:
  • My optometrist says I’m myopic.
  • Their plan seems particularly myopic—there are several potential consequences they clearly haven’t considered at all.
  • He has been criticized for being myopic about social issues.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

That doctor looked at the back of Kekoa’s eyes and diagnosed him with myopic degeneration, a dramatic form of nearsightedness.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

Researchers also observed additional disruptions in eye turning during accommodation and reduced effectiveness of eye blinks in triggering pupil constriction in myopic eyes.

From Science Daily • Feb. 19, 2026

The incidence of myopia is highest in Southeast Asia—maybe not surprising given the heavy cultural emphasis on academics—where an estimated 80% of students who complete 12 years of school are myopic.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 28, 2025

According to CNBC, Paramount's lawyers accused Warner Bros of undertaking "a myopic process with a predetermined outcome that favors a single bidder".

From BBC • Dec. 5, 2025

Flat-faced, rectangular, and brooding, the B-24 bad looks only a myopic mother could love.

From "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.