opt

1 of 2

verb

opted; opting; opts

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
Or, Wu suggested, instead of opting for clear plastic aligners, a person could get metal braces or retainers. Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 25 Aug. 2025 Partners may opt for the silent treatment by deliberately withdrawing themselves from communication with the other. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025 Eden opted for a platform release to build word of mouth (the Rotten Tomatoes audience score being higher than critics at 71%). Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 24 Aug. 2025 Pierce Brosnan wears a chocolate brown suit while his son Dylan opts for a lighter shade at the premiere of The Thursday Murder Club in London. Escher Walcott, People.com, 24 Aug. 2025 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 28 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

opt

verb
ˈäpt
: to make a choice

Medical Definition

opt

abbreviation
optician

More from Merriam-Webster on opt

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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