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
Policyholders can also add on optional coverage for enhanced protection.
—
Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 13 Oct. 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.
—Walden Green, Pitchfork, 12 Oct. 2025
It is understood that the licences will be optional and geared towards premium seating areas, while normal general admission season tickets will still be available where a fan can have the same seat for every game and the ability to apply for away games and cup final tickets.
—Andy Mitten, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
And to preface, these are optional.
—Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for optional
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Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 13 Oct. 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.
—Walden Green, Pitchfork, 12 Oct. 2025
It is understood that the licences will be optional and geared towards premium seating areas, while normal general admission season tickets will still be available where a fan can have the same seat for every game and the ability to apply for away games and cup final tickets.
—Andy Mitten, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
And to preface, these are optional.
—Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for optional
Cite this Entry
“Optional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optional. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.
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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