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.
—
Becky Krystal, Washington Post, 3 Apr. 2024
The Gallardo had all-wheel-drive and also an automatic transmission with paddle shifters optional, and bespoke luggage, too.
—Sean Evans, Robb Report, 2 Apr. 2024
For those seeking even more space and luxury, optional sunrooms are available, expanding the living space and offering fantastic views that can be enjoyed year-round.
—Prime Development, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2024
The package is listed under options, but was not optional at all.
—Jamie L. Lareau, Detroit Free Press, 29 Mar. 2024
Beautiful and well-engineered as E-class may be, the optional MBUX Superscreen Package seen here is the visual and functional centerpiece of the E-class experience, the helm for Mercedes-Benz Interstellar Exploration.
—Mark Ewing, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024
Homemade Rinse Aid: 1 gallon distilled white vinegar 25-30 drops essential oil (optional)
To make:
Add the drops to the container of vinegar.
—Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Mar. 2024
Lawmakers want to reach into Arizona school classrooms with bills that would dictate curriculum, make certain immunizations optional and scrap letter grades used to rank schools' performance.
—Mary Jo Pitzl, The Arizona Republic, 17 Mar. 2024
Tickets are $300, with optional wine pairings for an additional $180.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2024
Becky Krystal, Washington Post, 3 Apr. 2024
The Gallardo had all-wheel-drive and also an automatic transmission with paddle shifters optional, and bespoke luggage, too.
—Sean Evans, Robb Report, 2 Apr. 2024
For those seeking even more space and luxury, optional sunrooms are available, expanding the living space and offering fantastic views that can be enjoyed year-round.
—Prime Development, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2024
The package is listed under options, but was not optional at all.
—Jamie L. Lareau, Detroit Free Press, 29 Mar. 2024
Beautiful and well-engineered as E-class may be, the optional MBUX Superscreen Package seen here is the visual and functional centerpiece of the E-class experience, the helm for Mercedes-Benz Interstellar Exploration.
—Mark Ewing, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024
Homemade Rinse Aid: 1 gallon distilled white vinegar 25-30 drops essential oil (optional)
To make:
Add the drops to the container of vinegar.
—Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Mar. 2024
Lawmakers want to reach into Arizona school classrooms with bills that would dictate curriculum, make certain immunizations optional and scrap letter grades used to rank schools' performance.
—Mary Jo Pitzl, The Arizona Republic, 17 Mar. 2024
Tickets are $300, with optional wine pairings for an additional $180.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'optional.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near optional
Cite this Entry
“Optional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optional. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
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
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