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
As for glam, Chopra Jonas opted for a shimmering deep berry lip, a pop of pink blush and a golden smokey eye. Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 10 May 2026 Nonetheless, some contributors opt to report anonymously out of fear. Carolina Cuellar, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026 Many people opt for keyboards with an ergonomic and split layout, which is also known as an Alice keyboard. Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026 With smoke filling the cabin, the pilots opted to abort takeoff and evacuate the plane. Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 9 May 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 12 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

opt

verb
ˈäpt
: to make a choice

Medical Definition

opt

abbreviation
optician

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