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
With around 20 seconds left before the whistle was supposed to blow for halftime, the Rapids opted to play negative into their own box again. Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026 In the years since her death, countless other celebrities have opted for blue sapphire engagement rings, including Penélope Cruz, Elizabeth Hurley and Gwyneth Paltrow. Kelsey Lentz, PEOPLE, 19 Apr. 2026 Many gardeners may opt for other flowers since spider flower doesn't typically flower until it's established. Lauren David, Martha Stewart, 19 Apr. 2026 The Mets could have intentionally walked Hoerner, a very good contact hitter, to set up the double play, but opted to have Kimbrel pitch to him instead. Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 19 Apr. 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 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

opt

verb
ˈäpt
: to make a choice

Medical Definition

opt

abbreviation
optician

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