opt

1 of 2

verb

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

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
The drops in immigrant students add to strains on enrollment at many traditional public schools, which have seen overall numbers dip due to demographic changes and students opting for alternatives like private schools and homeschooling. CBS News, 17 Nov. 2025 The bomb explodes, but the scene picks up again with another copy of the Epstein files, and once again MacGruber opts to make some redactions instead of diffusing the plasma bomb. Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 16 Nov. 2025 The Populists opted for an alliance, promising a war on the plutocracy. David McWilliams, Fortune, 16 Nov. 2025 But for a formal event like a wedding or shower, opt for a more balanced topping like Swiss or Italian meringue buttercream. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 16 Nov. 2025 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 19 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

opt

verb
ˈäpt
: to make a choice

Medical Definition

opt

abbreviation
optician

More from Merriam-Webster on opt

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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