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

Instead of crafting a new formula for its NA option, the brand opted to remove the alcohol from its Cygnet 22 gin through a re-distillation process. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 24 Sep. 2026

To prevent across-the-board benefit cuts, lawmakers may opt to shore up the program by increasing taxes, cutting benefits or a combination of both. — Lorie Konish, CNBC, 23 Sep. 2026

Cardi wasn't the only star who opted for bold eye makeup at Vogue World Milano. — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 23 Sep. 2026

Hadid kept it casual in a simple tank top and jeans (very model off-duty of her), while Cardi went dressier, opting for an orange silk top, micro shorts, a chain belt, and pointy pumps. — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 23 Sep. 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