optional

adjective

op·​tion·​al ˈäp-sh(ə-)nəl 

: involving an option : not compulsory

optionality

ˌäp-shə-ˈna-lə-tē 

noun

optionally adverb

Synonyms of optional

• voluntary
• elective
• discretionary

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 baseline polling rate of 1,000Hz is suitable for most people, but when paired with an optional rate booster, it can be increased to 8,000Hz. —PC Magazine, 1 Dec. 2025

Again, optional, but mid-January will generally be the time to start sowing indoor cool-season plugs, depending on their timing for a mid-March planting date. —Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 30 Nov. 2025

The concierge team can tailor your visit as much or as little as you’d like, with optional services available for an extra fee. —Annie Archer, Travel + Leisure, 29 Nov. 2025

If an update looks optional, treat it as important anyway, because many companies downplay security fixes in their release notes. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 29 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

optional

adjective

op·​tion·​al ˈäp-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

: left to one's choice : not required

optional equipment on a new car

optionally

-ē

adverb