OPTIONAL Synonyms: 20 Similar and Opposite Words

optional

adjective

ˈäp-sh(ə-)nəl

Definition of optional

as in voluntary

subject to one's freedom of choice at the resort all recreational activities are optional, and you may choose to participate in none of them

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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.

Recent Examples of optional Swing by on a weekend when school is in session for peak fall vibes—pom-poms optional. — Hannah Agran, Midwest Living, 15 Aug. 2026 Many interested parties hope for a compromise that treats the new hourly accounting as optional. — Mike Feibus, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026 La Quinta by Wyndham charges an optional pet fee of $25 per night, capped at $75 per room, per stay. — Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 14 Aug. 2026 An optional fee of $25 per night applies, capped at $75 per stay. — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for optional

Recent Examples of Synonyms for optional

Adjective

State Medicaid programs have a parallel, voluntary pathway to adopt similar pricing under a model known as BALANCE.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026
EmpCo prohibits companies from displaying voluntary sustainability labels unless they were established by a public authority or are based on a qualifying certification scheme.

— Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of voluntary

Adjective

Mayor Sam Cunningham, who has more than 23 years in elective office as a member of the City Council or mayor, said the size and response of the crowd was unprecedented for the installation of a police chief.

— Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026
Knowing whether a patient is frail or not can change a clinician’s sense of whether to act swiftly on what seems like a small problem or to reexamine whether an elective surgery is a good idea, for instance.

— Veronique Greenwood, Time, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of elective

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option

optional

optionally

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“Optional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/optional. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of optional

adjective

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