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
Most of the survey questions were optional.
—
Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2026
The language on the website isn’t clear whether the open-carry rollback is just a request, and optional, or is a firm store rule, like the one banning dogs inside stores.
—Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 8 May 2026
There's also an optional co-op mode, which allows two players to split the controls of the Arwing starfighter and other vehicles; one person pilots them while the other shoots at enemies.
—Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 8 May 2026
Dinner unfolds as a six-course tasting menu ($125 per person; wine pairings optional) served Friday and Saturday evenings by reservation only, with ingredients foraged onsite or sourced from nearby farms.
—Taryn Shorr-McKee, Midwest Living, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for optional
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Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2026
The language on the website isn’t clear whether the open-carry rollback is just a request, and optional, or is a firm store rule, like the one banning dogs inside stores.
—Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 8 May 2026
There's also an optional co-op mode, which allows two players to split the controls of the Arwing starfighter and other vehicles; one person pilots them while the other shoots at enemies.
—Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 8 May 2026
Dinner unfolds as a six-course tasting menu ($125 per person; wine pairings optional) served Friday and Saturday evenings by reservation only, with ingredients foraged onsite or sourced from nearby farms.
—Taryn Shorr-McKee, Midwest Living, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for optional
Cite this Entry
“Optional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optional. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
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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