optional
adjective
op·tion·al
ˈäp-sh(ə-)nəl 
: involving an option : not compulsory
optionally
adverb
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 on the Web
Geico Auto Insurance Learn More Policy highlights Geico offers 16 discounts and a variety of optional add-ons, such as emergency roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement and mechanical breakdown insurance.
—
Liz Knueven, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2026
The 14th Amendment is not optional.
—Rosalind Osgood, Sun Sentinel, 4 Feb. 2026
Bote offers sand anchors designed specifically for the Hangout Shade as an optional add-on.
—New Atlas, 4 Feb. 2026
Faculty members say participation is optional and that no student is required to cover protests or enforcement activity.
—Nick Lunemann, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for optional
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Liz Knueven, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2026
The 14th Amendment is not optional.
—Rosalind Osgood, Sun Sentinel, 4 Feb. 2026
Bote offers sand anchors designed specifically for the Hangout Shade as an optional add-on.
—New Atlas, 4 Feb. 2026
Faculty members say participation is optional and that no student is required to cover protests or enforcement activity.
—Nick Lunemann, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for optional
Cite this Entry
“Optional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optional. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
optional
adjective
op·tion·al
ˈäp-shnəl
-shən-ᵊl
: left to one's choice : not required
optional equipment on a new car
optionally
adverb
-ē
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