opt

1 of 2

verb

ˈäpt 

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

Synonyms of opt

Verb

• choose
• decide
• figure

Examples of opt in a Sentence

Verb

after that near catastrophe, they opted to reinstate the telephone service

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Benaroya opted for a career in finance and began her career at Goldman Sachs in London while Eriksson studied fashion and joined the British fashion brand Joseph. — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026

Prepared daily with whole milk, Greek yogurt and kaffir, Nudes’ product opts for toppings like pistachio and baklava crisp over sugary candy or sprinkles, Solonin said. — Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026

Clocking in for their promo duties, D’Arcy and stylist Rose Forde opted for one of the most memorable looks from Simone Bellotti’s spring 2027 collection for Jil Sander. — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 7 Oct. 2026

Even Antetokounmpo was surprised that the Raptors opted to keep Thompson’s defender home instead of sending that defender his way. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

French opter, from Latin optare

First Known Use

Verb

1853, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing opt

• co-opt
• opt in
• opt out

Rhymes for opt

• chopped
• cropped
• dropped
• dropt
• flopped
• hopped
• lopped
• mopped
• plopped
• popped
• propped
• shopped

Kids Definition

opt

verb

ˈäpt

: to make a choice

Medical Definition

opt

abbreviation

optician