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.

The shelves at Myopic Books in Chicago's Wicker Park are packed with little, tattered paperback gems that have one-word titles like "Corn" or "Broccoli."

From Salon • Feb. 21, 2022

Myopic professors are no longer her chief target.

From The New Yorker • Aug. 9, 2018

Myopic but energetic, Thomson went to work at 14 for a rope factory, where he soon exhibited a "passionate devotion to money."

From Time Magazine Archive

Myopic, thought the defense, was the testimony of Mrs. Clarence Miller.

From Time Magazine Archive

Myopic eyes do not experience this difficulty and it appears that normal vision may be trained to overcome it.

From Visual Illusions Their Causes, Characteristics and Applications by Luckiesh, Matthew

myopic

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Sentences

Vocabulary lists containing myopic

To Kill a Mockingbird

Grade 9, List 6

Unbroken

myopic

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Sentences

Related Words

Vocabulary lists containing myopic

To Kill a Mockingbird

Grade 9, List 6

Unbroken