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
Instead of beads and candy, the Alliance of Illinois Judges opted to distribute pocket-sized copies of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution from their trolley. Christiana Freitag, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026 Fans missed out on a potential matchup between two of the globe’s greatest strikers when Norway opted to sit Erling Haaland against France, led by Kylian Mbappe. Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 June 2026 Instead of sticking to styles that squeeze your legs in a skinny-jean kind of way, opt for looser, baggier silhouettes like these from Levi’s. Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 28 June 2026 Instead, opt for a more secure purse like this anti-theft messenger bag, which has a zipper at the top, locking compartments, slash-resistant material, and RFID-blocking panels. Jackie Cucco, Travel + Leisure, 27 June 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 30 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

opt

verb
ˈäpt
: to make a choice

Medical Definition

opt

abbreviation
optician

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