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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Recent Examples of optional
One charge is reportedly good for a range of approximately 25 km (16 miles), although that figure can be doubled by upgrading to an optional 22-Ah battery.
—
Ben Coxworth
march 28, New Atlas, 28 Mar. 2026
Some of these technologies are essential for ensuring the proper functioning of the service or website and cannot be disabled, while others are optional but serve to enhance the user experience in various ways.
—Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 27 Mar. 2026
Yet many people still treat sunscreen like an optional accessory and hydration like a suggestion.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2026
One of the biggest revelations of the Miami Heat’s season may have happened during an optional workout in Cleveland State University Gym on Thursday.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for optional
Ben Coxworth
march 28, New Atlas, 28 Mar. 2026
Some of these technologies are essential for ensuring the proper functioning of the service or website and cannot be disabled, while others are optional but serve to enhance the user experience in various ways.
—Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 27 Mar. 2026
Yet many people still treat sunscreen like an optional accessory and hydration like a suggestion.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2026
One of the biggest revelations of the Miami Heat’s season may have happened during an optional workout in Cleveland State University Gym on Thursday.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for optional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for optional
Adjective
-
Similar, disappointing results were found more recently in a 2022 Vanderbilt study of Tennessee’s voluntary pre-K program.—
Abby McCloskey,
Boston Herald,
28 Mar. 2026
-
This leaves due diligence up to mostly voluntary investigation process, leaving environmental and human rights risks upstream insufficiently monitored.—
Jennifer Bringle,
Sourcing Journal,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
All statewide elective offices are up for grabs as well as 101 state House seats and 25 Senate seats.—
Barbara Hoberock,
Oklahoma Voice,
19 Mar. 2026
-
McLendon-Covey was quick to shut down any feud speculation the morning after the ceremony, revealing that an elective cosmetic procedure kept her from attending.—
Grace McCarty,
Glamour,
16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Even a temporary pause on discretionary spending can free up cash to redirect toward existing balances.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
24 Mar. 2026
-
The legislation provides $170 billion for ICE, more than double DHS's annual discretionary budget, allowing the agency to continue paying its officers during the shutdown.—
Michelle Del Rey,
USA Today,
24 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Optional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/optional. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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