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

Photographers who still prefer the traditional approach can switch on an optional equatorial tracking mode or dig into Pro Mode for manual control over exposure and gain, from 1/10,000 of a second up to that 300-second ceiling. — New Atlas, 9 Sep. 2026

The optional app usually picks appealing but innocuous images of travel scenes and animals as daily wallpapers on Windows PC desktops. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 8 Sep. 2026

Case codes to justify a search, previously optional, will be mandatory, and the audit log will be upgraded so that Flock can detect abnormal search patterns and block those users. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 8 Sep. 2026

The statute also required the Education Department to identify a model curriculum on 9/11 for optional use. — ABC News, 8 Sep. 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