optical

adjective

ˈäp-ti-kəl How to pronounce optical (audio)
Definition of opticalnext
as in optic
of, relating to, or used in vision an optical illusion that fools most people

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of optical In fiber and yarn monitoring during spinning, high-speed optical sensors can analyze the yarn’s diameter, mass variation, hairiness and neps (a type of yarn with clusters) across thousands of meters per minute to prevent downstream weaving breaks. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026 The new Costco warehouse will have a pharmacy, optical department, hearing aid center, tire service center and a gas station. — Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 24 Aug. 2026 Star Catcher’s network is built around wireless optical power beaming. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 24 Aug. 2026 Adaptyv Bio, in Lausanne, received all 1,320 designs, built each one in a cell-free chemical system, and read the binding on an optical sensor across five concentrations. — Jon Markman, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for optical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for optical
  1. optic
  2. visual
Adjective
  • Classics like black and cream—a richer, warmer tone than optic white—always work too.
    — Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 12 Aug. 2026
  • No area of the brain was spared from the shrinkage, but the change was especially pronounced in the optic lobes and the optic tract—the bundles of nerves that carry visual signals to the brain—with reductions of 52% and 62% respectively.
    — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 9 July 2026
Definition of optic
Adjective
  • In public situations — ref meetings, pitches and podcast studios — there was a visual and verbal swagger that was there for all to see and hear.
    — Graham Scott, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Perhaps this saga of planetary conquest is also a sly commentary on Hollywood imperialism, in which even the most far-flung of small-town tales must be overwhelmed by big-name stars in visual-effects drag.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of visual

Phrases Containing optical

Browse Nearby Words

optic
optical
optical illusion
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Cite this Entry

“Optical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/optical. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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