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 The final option from Samsung is the option for a medical provider to cut the ring off. PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2025 Still, Altman admitted that when parents are unreachable, police may become the fallback option. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2025 Tuchel is not short of options in the front three behind Harry Kane. Rob Tanner, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025 The Powerball jackpot for Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, rises to $145 million with a cash option of $67.4 million, according to powerball.com. Chris Sims, IndyStar, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for option
Recent Examples of Synonyms for option
Noun
  • Expansion into accessories has already proven to be a boon for business.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Visit her shop on Main Street in Gordonsville to feel the organic cotton accessories, made entirely in the United States.
    Brennan Long, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Tubi, our top choice for free streaming, has a significantly wider selection of horror content.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The sandwich options vary by protein, with choices including Spam, bacon, ham and spicy pork.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This provides reliable electricity for appliances while also maintaining cooling for sensitive materials.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2025
  • If time permits, disconnect utilities and appliances.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Yet if a team plays with a low-block defence and ingenuity, pace and carrying ability are important, then Ramsey would offer an alternative.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Botanical alternatives such as neem and pyrethrins in canola oil provide three to four days of deterrence.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Location Just a 30-minute drive from Salzburg Airport (SZG), the hotel is an easy add-on to a city stay.
    Siobhan Reid, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Clinical leaders working with psychedelics could incorporate music‑based therapy, sound baths and expressive visual and vocal art for trauma, not as an add-on, but as tools on par with talk therapy.
    Sonia Singh, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In federal court documents obtained by USA TODAY, Philip Parsons, Razzoo’s CEO, said the decision to file for bankruptcy comes after declining sales as well as shifts in consumer spending, diner preferences for convenience and other factors.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
  • When choosing toys, keep a dog’s natural preferences in mind.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • And Maeve goes through a lot during the season and a lot of the scenes are challenging, but in the best way.
    Keith Phipps, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Are the bees, in fact, pantomiming the way itself?
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 6 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Option.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/option. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on option

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