optional

adjective

op·​tion·​al ˈäp-sh(ə-)nəl 

: involving an option : not compulsory

optionality

ˌäp-shə-ˈna-lə-tē 

noun

optionally adverb

Synonyms of optional

• 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

According to the Associated Press, Infantino has set a September 19 deadline for the member associations to accept the optional payment. — Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 29 July 2026

The robot only needs to press the bag against an object and activate a vacuum valve, making feedback sensors largely optional. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 29 July 2026

After a long summer of individual workouts and optional team activities, the Horned Frogs were happy to be back on the field all at once for the first time since the spring. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 July 2026

The second was discovering that IP exposure, liability gaps and executive accountability are policy requirements, not optional additions. — Dmitriy Stepanov, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

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