Synonym Chooser

How does the noun option contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of option are alternative, choice, election, preference, and selection. While all these words mean "the act or opportunity of choosing or the thing chosen," option implies a power to choose that is specifically granted or guaranteed.

the option of paying now or later

When is it sensible to use alternative instead of option?

In some situations, the words alternative and option are roughly equivalent. However, alternative implies a need to choose one and reject another possibility.

equally attractive alternatives

When could choice be used to replace option?

The words choice and option are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, choice suggests the opportunity or privilege of choosing freely.

freedom of choice

When is election a more appropriate choice than option?

The meanings of election and option largely overlap; however, election implies an end or purpose which requires exercise of judgment.

doing a tax return forces certain elections on you

Where would preference be a reasonable alternative to option?

While the synonyms preference and option are close in meaning, preference suggests a choice guided by one's judgment or predilections.

a preference for cool weather

When would selection be a good substitute for option?

Although the words selection and option have much in common, selection implies a range of choice.

a varied selection of furniture

Example Sentences

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 option In his opening remarks, Visotzky said housing options for low-income residents are slim. Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2025 Outside the 30-year-old model, Nike has Air Force 1 Lows for both Kobe Bryant and Ja Morant on the way, a couple of solid footwear options for winter and plenty more options to get excited over. Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2025 Talk to your healthcare provider There are several treatment options available for postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety, including talk therapy and SSRIs. Korin Miller, SELF, 28 Oct. 2025 The United States has a variety of options available to target terrorists and terrorist organizations, and the State Department will use all available tools to keep Americans safe. Ryan Lucas, NPR, 28 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for option
Recent Examples of Synonyms for option
Noun
  • Act now to not miss out on these Amazon outlet deals on timeless clothing items, comfortable shoes, durable luggage, and helpful travel accessories, all for $50 or less.
    Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
  • At Collina Strada’s New York Fashion Week spring 2026 show, designer Hillary Taymour sent hairy beanies down the runway, while Schiaparelli and Simone Rocha have produced human hair accessories, neckties, and earrings.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Vernengo said the reclassification of drug dealers as terrorists has led many in the region to assume that there is a push for a possible invasion of Venezuela, whose neighbors have no choice but to have a relationship with the United States.
    Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • With fewer families able to afford lessons and operating costs on the rise, Jackson has had to make difficult choices just to keep his doors open.
    Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Integrated Specialty Small Appliances From a toaster oven with air-fry capability to espresso machines, Hudson included compact, high-function appliances in the kitchen layout.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Oct. 2025
  • The kitchen has been completely reworked with Sub-Zero and Viking appliances, a wine cellar, an ice maker, and a breakfast nook that feels more townhouse than co-op.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 30 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The son of a Wesleyan minister, Maunder had attended King’s College London, a working-class alternative to Oxford and Cambridge.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2025
  • In August, the leading AI lab released two open-weight language models called gpt-oss-120b and gpt-oss-20b, designed to serve as lower-cost and accessible alternatives to its frontier models.
    Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The trailer does lack a bathroom—which is disappointing, though not unexpected in the class—but a Joolca Hottap heated shower system is available as an add-on.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 24 Oct. 2025
  • As one of the world’s most resource-intensive industries, textiles and garments must fundamentally reimagine sustainability—not as an add-on, but as the core of business strategy.
    Sunny Tan, Sourcing Journal, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Whether or not to cut back coneflowers is ultimately based on preference, but there are some advantages to delaying the process.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2025
  • To combat this, a 4-2-3-1 can be morphed into multiple defensive shapes depending on the head coach’s preference.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • And more businesses are on the way, with plans to join Sprouts at Everette Farms in the coming months, according to Bill Robinson of Robinson Properties.
    Andy Humbles, Nashville Tennessean, 27 Oct. 2025
  • The discovery offers a powerful way to give waste plastics a second life as high-performance materials, advancing both a circular economy and next-generation clean technologies.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Option.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/option. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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