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
Though Williams is now cancer-free, the Patriots opted to move him last week into a senior coaching position and open the coordinator job. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 18 Feb. 2026 Erivo kept it consistent with the play’s overall color palette, opting for a red-and-black ensemble. Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 18 Feb. 2026 In India, the government has opted for a largely deregulatory approach. Tristan Bove, Fortune, 18 Feb. 2026 Arabo took inspiration from Edwardian high jewelry and opted for settings favored by royalty. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 18 Feb. 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 20 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

opt

verb
ˈäpt
: to make a choice

Medical Definition

opt

abbreviation
optician

More from Merriam-Webster on opt

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