optional

adjective

op·​tion·​al ˈäp-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce optional (audio)
: involving an option : not compulsory
optionality noun
optionally adverb

Examples of optional in a Sentence

Jackets are required at the restaurant, but ties are optional. Many optional features are available on this car. Registration is optional, not mandatory.
Recent Examples on the Web Restaurants include La Vie, for French cuisine and nightly piano music, and Sushi Sho, for upscale Omakase sushi with an optional pairing of Japanese Sake. Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 2 June 2024 As in other office suites like LibreOffice and iWork, an optional formatting panel appears on the right, and an optional toolbar on the left leads to features like search and comments. Edward Mendelson, PCMAG, 31 May 2024 In addition to Wi-Fi, the Era 100 also supports Bluetooth audio and line-in playback via an optional 3.5mm to USB-C adapter. Antonio G. Di Benedetto, The Verge, 30 May 2024 Buckley recommends using homemade mayonnaise and adding an optional splash of Worcestershire (a more recent touch dating back to the 1980s). Marti Buckley, Saveur, 30 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for optional 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'optional.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of optional was in 1765

Dictionary Entries Near optional

Cite this Entry

“Optional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optional. Accessed 6 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

optional

adjective
op·​tion·​al ˈäp-shnəl How to pronounce optional (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
: left to one's choice : not required
optional equipment on a new car
optionally
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on optional

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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