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
He is slated to be in court next week, at which time prosecutors could opt to file charges. Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026 As gaming speed is the only factor some PC builders care about when choosing parts, this has been a big pain point for Intel and has pushed many people to opt for AMD processors instead, leaving Arrow Lake chips sitting on the shelf. Michael Justin Allen Sexton, PC Magazine, 11 Mar. 2026 At the launch of Revolve Los Angeles on Tuesday night, Hadid opted for sideswept bangs courtesy of celebrity hairstylist Jacob Schwartz, who’s also responsible for her deep golden blonde color. Mykenna Maniece, Vogue, 11 Mar. 2026 When an older house has been lived in for a few years, the home could be in a condition that isn’t worth rehabilitating or its sellers might not want to deal with the housing market, instead opting to pass the site on to a developer, Vaughn said. Neal Franklin, Dallas Morning News, 11 Mar. 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 14 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

opt

verb
ˈäpt
: to make a choice

Medical Definition

opt

abbreviation
optician

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