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
With the opt-out looming and rival teams preparing bids, New York may have only a narrow window to strike. Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025 Judge Cannon has opted to keep the jury anonymous and partially sequester them during the trial, with federal marshals picking up and dropping off the jurors from a confidential location daily. Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 8 Sep. 2025 Maximalists can lean into bold, dramatic hues, while those who prefer subtlety can opt for earthy neutrals that blend seamlessly with their kitchen decor. Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Sep. 2025 The 18-year-old opted for a sheer black dress, posing with her arm around her sister, who wore a brown satin dress. Hannah Sacks, People.com, 8 Sep. 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 9 Sep. 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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