Definition of optional
:involving an option :not compulsory
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Examples of optional in a Sentence
Jackets are required at the restaurant, but ties are optional.
Many optional features are available on this car.
Registration is optional, not mandatory.
Recent Examples of optional from the Web
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The new version of the i3 will feature optional driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control and a feature to help from drifting into another lane, but the changes won’t improve range.
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Registration begins at 4AM, $100 per boat, Big Bass (optional) $10.
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The lactation consultants’ orders did not seem to be optional.
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A black truffle ice cream cone is an optional extra ($25).
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AMD The rest of the Radeon Pack perks are optional.
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The testing was optional for non-contact sports such as cross country, golf, indoor and outdoor track and tennis.
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Optional wine parings from Michael Taylor of SGWS and Brennon Staples of The Fat Lamb are available.
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If the cost of providing care for those with developmental disabilities increases at a faster pace than the federal dollars available, the ID/DD services are optional pools of spending that states could scale back.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'optional.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of optional
1765
optional Synonyms
Synonyms
discretionary, elective, voluntaryAntonyms
compulsory, mandatory, nonelective, nonvoluntary, obligatory, requiredRelated Words
alternate, alternative, chosen; dispensable, unnecessary, unneeded, unwantedNear Antonyms
essential, indispensable, necessary, requisiteOPTIONAL Defined for English Language Learners
optional
play
adjective
Definition of optional for English Language Learners
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: available as a choice but not required
OPTIONAL Defined for Kids
optional
play
adjective
op·tion·al
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ˈäp-shə-nᵊl
\
Definition of optional for Students
:left to choice :not required
Costumes are optional at the party.
Learn More about optional
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for optional Spanish Central: Translation of optional Nglish: Translation of optional for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of optional for Arabic speakers
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