opt

1 of 2

verb

opted; opting; opts
Synonyms of optnext

intransitive verb

: to make a choice
especially : to decide in favor of something
opted for a tax increase … Tom Wicker
After perusing the menu he opted for the prime rib.

opt

2 of 2

abbreviation

1
optical; optician; optics
2
option; optional

Examples of opt in a Sentence

Verb after that near catastrophe, they opted to reinstate the telephone service
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Verb
Now that Love's eight children are all grown up and out of the house, the family has opted to sell the home and look for something smaller near Lake Tahoe, according to the listing agency. Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026 Instead of putting forth a starter, Los Angeles opted for a bullpen game, which the A’s capitalized on. Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026 The war’s upward pressure on prices reversed expectations that the Federal Reserve might opt to cut rates this year, with many analysts now forecasting the Fed to raise them instead. Tristan Bove, Fortune, 1 July 2026 The family opted instead for a grill and small fridge, with a wood counter built around it to give a cohesive look. Rory Evans, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for opt

Word History

Etymology

Verb

French opter, from Latin optare

First Known Use

Verb

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of opt was in 1853

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Opt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opt. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

opt

verb
ˈäpt
: to make a choice

Medical Definition

opt

abbreviation
optician

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