optional
adjective
op·tion·al
ˈäp-sh(ə-)nəl 
: involving an option : not compulsory
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
The box includes a space for your name, but providing it is optional.
—
Meghan Leahy, Washington Post, 25 Apr. 2024
Providers’ names could be omitted and some information would be optional.
—Emma G. Fitzsimmons, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for optional 
Meghan Leahy, Washington Post, 25 Apr. 2024
Providers’ names could be omitted and some information would be optional.
—Emma G. Fitzsimmons, New York Times, 23 Apr. 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.
Dictionary Entries Near optional
Cite this Entry
“Optional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optional. Accessed 3 May. 2024.
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optional
adjective
op·tion·al
ˈäp-shnəl
-shən-ᵊl
: left to one's choice : not required
optional equipment on a new car
optionally
adverb
-ē
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