optional

adjective

op·​tion·​al ˈäp-sh(ə-)nəl 

: involving an option : not compulsory

optionality

ˌäp-shə-ˈna-lə-tē 

noun

optionally adverb

Synonyms

• voluntary
• elective
• discretionary

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

Final Thoughts Adaptive leadership is not optional in today’s world. —Jason Ballard, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025

Even with this part being optional, most people grabbed paper and jotted down their reasons for yelling. —Dominick Williams august 6, Kansas City Star, 6 Aug. 2025

Some of these technologies are essential for ensuring the proper functioning of the service or website and cannot be disabled, while others are optional but serve to enhance the user experience in various ways. —Matthew Strauss, Pitchfork, 6 Aug. 2025

Tad Friend on the biohackers who are working to make death optional. —Hannah Jocelyn, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025

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