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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Hertz noted that renters can avoid loss of use and administrative fees by buying the rental company's loss damage waiver, which is an optional service.
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The Gmail update will remain optional until September, when everyone who hasn’t already made the switch will be automatically moved over to the new Gmail by Google.
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Fellows like Snyder are doctors who have completed their standard three- to six-year residency training for a medical specialty and are pursuing optional training in a sub-specialty.
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On Wednesday, Houston Chronicle columnist Erica Grieder argued that such separations are not required by law, and are in fact, optional.
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The technology was written into the laws of the game by IFAB in March of this year, although the use of it remains optional in individual competitions.
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There are a lineup of pancakes (such as bacon or banana walnut) and waffles with optional toppings.
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Jock makes an impromptu visit to Chuck’s New York office and brings a not-so-optional suggestion with him.
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Previously optional Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection in now standard on all models.
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
Antonyms
compulsory, mandatory, nonelective, nonvoluntary, obligatory, required;
Near Antonyms
OPTIONAL Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of optional for English Language Learners
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: available as a choice but not required
OPTIONAL Defined for Kids
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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