optional

adjective

op·​tion·​al ˈäp-sh(ə-)nəl 

: involving an option : not compulsory

optionality

ˌäp-shə-ˈna-lə-tē 

noun

optionally adverb

Synonyms

• discretionary
• elective
• voluntary

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

At a time when an internet connection is not optional for most people, one study found Kentucky households are among the least connected in the U.S. Reviews.org ranked the states with the most homes that don't have an internet connection, and the Bluegrass State fell in the top 10. —Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez, The Courier-Journal, 6 Sep. 2024

Save the Harbor/Save the Bay collects cash donations at the end, but that's optional. —Steph Solis, Axios, 4 Sep. 2024

Naturist camping is a type of camping where clothes are optional. —Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 3 Sep. 2024

The optional center touchscreen grows to 14.3-inches and Nissan has retained plenty of physical controls as well. —Sam Abuelsamid, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

optional

adjective

op·​tion·​al ˈäp-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

: left to one's choice : not required

optional equipment on a new car

optionally

-ē

adverb