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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
At that event, Rhimes wore a black dress with mesh sleeves, posing arm-in-arm with her daughter, who opted for a black leather jacket and carried a black purse. Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026 As for their final guesses, Robin Thicke chose Keke Palmer, McCarthy-Wahlberg opted for Leslie Jones, and Ken Jeong picked Wanda Sykes. Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Jan. 2026 If your tween wants to get their hands on a Drunk Elephant skincare product, opt for the brand’s SPF 30 sunscreen. Katrina Cossey, Parents, 15 Jan. 2026 Instead, Chiprut recommends opting for a countertop material that will patina nicely over time, citing marble and soapstone as two of her top contenders. Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 15 Jan. 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 16 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

opt

verb
ˈäpt
: to make a choice

Medical Definition

opt

abbreviation
optician

More from Merriam-Webster on opt

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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