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
An optional upgrade is $30 to beef tenderloin with lobster and confit potatoes.
—
Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 14 Apr. 2024
To help combat this, kids can attach the optional landing gear that helps prevent crash landings and sets this plane up for runway capability.
—Maya Polton, Parents, 12 Apr. 2024
An optional Find Your Equalizer feature builds a custom sonic profile based on a series of tests.
—PCMAG, 11 Apr. 2024
Our test cars were on the optional 21-inch alloy wheels with 255/40 Pirelli P Zeros at the front and 295/35 tires at the rear.
—Angus MacKenzie, Robb Report, 10 Apr. 2024
The optional bacon adds a brawny heft here, but the stew will be just as hardy without it.
—Melissa Clark, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Apr. 2024
The opening menu plays on the chefs’ Midwest roots
At each service, the restaurant will present a four-course, prix fixe menu for $80 per person with optional beverage pairings for an additional $50 per person.
—Rachel Bernhard, Journal Sentinel, 10 Apr. 2024
The strawberry cheesecake bites are a showstopper with or without the optional white chocolate dip.
—Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 8 Apr. 2024
Attendees will get to taste four different types of pasta and specific sauces suited for each pasta type, with optional wine too.
—Chyna Blackmon, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2024
Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 14 Apr. 2024
To help combat this, kids can attach the optional landing gear that helps prevent crash landings and sets this plane up for runway capability.
—Maya Polton, Parents, 12 Apr. 2024
An optional Find Your Equalizer feature builds a custom sonic profile based on a series of tests.
—PCMAG, 11 Apr. 2024
Our test cars were on the optional 21-inch alloy wheels with 255/40 Pirelli P Zeros at the front and 295/35 tires at the rear.
—Angus MacKenzie, Robb Report, 10 Apr. 2024
The optional bacon adds a brawny heft here, but the stew will be just as hardy without it.
—Melissa Clark, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Apr. 2024
The opening menu plays on the chefs’ Midwest roots
At each service, the restaurant will present a four-course, prix fixe menu for $80 per person with optional beverage pairings for an additional $50 per person.
—Rachel Bernhard, Journal Sentinel, 10 Apr. 2024
The strawberry cheesecake bites are a showstopper with or without the optional white chocolate dip.
—Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 8 Apr. 2024
Attendees will get to taste four different types of pasta and specific sauces suited for each pasta type, with optional wine too.
—Chyna Blackmon, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 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.
Word History
First Known Use
1765, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near optional
Cite this Entry
“Optional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optional. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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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
adverb
-ē
More from Merriam-Webster on optional
Nglish: Translation of optional for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of optional for Arabic Speakers
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