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
The question box includes a space for your name, but this is optional.
—
Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 27 Mar. 2026
Those who don't want to use the dirty floor as their primary mattress can add the optional 76 x 76 x 6-in (193 x 193 x 15-cm) inflatable mattress that uses the two side benches as foundational supports to get campers up off the ground and closer to window level.
—New Atlas, 11 Mar. 2026
As long as fruit trees are producing enough fruit, look healthy, and grow well, fertilizer is usually optional.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2026
Where due process is not optional.
—Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for optional
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 27 Mar. 2026
Those who don't want to use the dirty floor as their primary mattress can add the optional 76 x 76 x 6-in (193 x 193 x 15-cm) inflatable mattress that uses the two side benches as foundational supports to get campers up off the ground and closer to window level.
—New Atlas, 11 Mar. 2026
As long as fruit trees are producing enough fruit, look healthy, and grow well, fertilizer is usually optional.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2026
Where due process is not optional.
—Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 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 13 Mar. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
