opt

1 of 2

verb

opted; opting; opts
Synonyms of optnext

intransitive verb

: to make a choice
especially : to decide in favor of something
opted for a tax increase … Tom Wicker
After perusing the menu he opted for the prime rib.

opt

2 of 2

abbreviation

1
optical; optician; optics
2
option; optional

Examples of opt in a Sentence

Verb after that near catastrophe, they opted to reinstate the telephone service
Recent Examples on the Web
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Verb
Unlike in their losses in Games 5 and 6, the Celtics weren’t as quick to fire up 3s, instead opting to attack the interior of the 76ers defense more to get easier looks. Kyle Hightower, Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2026 Instead of adding to the debt, Giltner said that opting to pay down the debt would be a better allocation of tax dollars. Jake Angelo, Fortune, 3 May 2026 Be sure to opt for an evergreen variety to keep your trash bins out of sight all year long. Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 May 2026 Best Time to Drive Most visitors opt to drive the Salmon River Scenic Byway between summer and early fall, from June through September. Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 3 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for opt

Word History

Etymology

Verb

French opter, from Latin optare

First Known Use

Verb

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of opt was in 1853

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Opt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opt. Accessed 5 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

opt

verb
ˈäpt
: to make a choice

Medical Definition

opt

abbreviation
optician

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