opt

1 of 2

verb

opted; opting; opts

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
In 2024, the European Union opted to not renew its approval for Sulfuryl Fluoride citing concerns over risks to human health and the environment. Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2025 But its opt-out stance on studios’ intellectual property faced immediate blowback from an array of Hollywood organizations, including talent agencies. Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025 While Stone often opts for soft texture in her bob, Zoë Kravitz brought some signature edge to the style. Grace McCarty, Glamour, 20 Oct. 2025 Maintaining the tugboat became cumbersome, and three Zizian members opted to move into box trucks before squatting in a Bay Area trailer lot owned by Curtis Lind, then age 80, a former shipworker and grandfather of four. Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 20 Oct. 2025 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 21 Oct. 2025.

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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