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 ski school is top-notch, with optional outings to the vertiginous South Chutes if the kiddos are up for it.
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Providence, Rhode Island to Washington, D.C. is also $49, and Milwaukee to Nashville is $66—line dancing optional, but definitely encouraged.
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Moore’s is ideal for a black-tie-optional or cocktail wedding thanks to those festive ruffles and versatile skirt length, while Kelly’s low-cut maxi is ideal for an outdoor, laid-back ceremony.
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Warhead designers tailor the size of a nuke blast by using gasses that increase neutrons present in the initial reaction or by adding an optional, secondary thermonuclear charge.
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Another lingering concern of cybersecurity experts is that post-election audits are still optional under Michigan law, unlike in 32 other states.
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Here, caskets, makeup and clothing are optional, and hearses are futile.
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This goes out to all the people who think washing their hands is optional.
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Admission is free, though optional study guides are $25.
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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