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 The proprietary optical engine from the previous model has been enhanced for improved color reproduction and smoother gradation. — New Atlas, 6 Aug. 2026 The means for carrying out optical connectivity include lasers, optical fibers, modulators, and various connectors, all working in conjunction to build an enhanced fiber-optic network structure. — Paxton Honerkamp, CNBC, 5 Aug. 2026 There’s just all kinds of ways to do it, all kinds of optical techniques and different ways of putting the light source and everything, lots of ways to do it. — Joel Feder, The Drive, 5 Aug. 2026 There's some obvious optical distortion, but that's typical for this type of camera. — Eric Zeman, PC Magazine, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for optical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for optical
  1. optic
  2. visual
Adjective
  • 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
  • And to prevent knock-offs, the collectible will feature the company’s new authentication packaging via its partnership with Octane5 and use micro-optic technology.
    — Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 23 June 2026
Definition of optic
Adjective
  • In 1981 a bold experiment in rock music began as MTV took the air and made music a visual as well as auditory experience.
    — Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Those don’t work without the pure visual storytelling beats of character emotion that Culpepper balances them with.
    — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of visual

Phrases Containing optical

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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 14 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on optical

Nglish: Translation of optical for Spanish Speakers

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