opt

1 of 2

verb

ˈäpt 

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

Synonyms of opt

Verb

• choose
• decide
• figure

Examples of opt in a Sentence

Verb

after that near catastrophe, they opted to reinstate the telephone service

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Less than a year after her son’s birth, Dowling tried to get pregnant again, opting for the same add-ons as before—with no luck. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 30 Sep. 2026

The Dolphins opted to sign none of the four backs who worked out for them on Tuesday -- former Canes standout Damien Martinez, former Titans fourth-rounder Hassan Haskins, Davie University School alum Kenny McIntosh and rookie Elija-Tau Tolliver. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2026

There is still the possibility the Panthers opt to elevate Thornton off the practice squad and onto the game day roster ahead of Sunday. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 30 Sep. 2026

As for accessories, Middleton opted to go with two brands she’s sported in the past — Annoushka Jewelry and Kiki McDonough. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

French opter, from Latin optare

First Known Use

Verb

1853, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing opt

• co-opt
• opt in
• opt out

Rhymes for opt

• chopped
• cropped
• dropped
• dropt
• flopped
• hopped
• lopped
• mopped
• plopped
• popped
• propped
• shopped

Kids Definition

opt

verb

ˈäpt

: to make a choice

Medical Definition

opt

abbreviation

optician