as in choosing
to come to a judgment about after discussion or consideration
after that near catastrophe, they opted to reinstate the telephone service
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Recent Examples of opting
Instead of opting for skintight jeans, 2026 can be the year of straight-leg denim that still flatters a wide range of body types but with a little more forgiveness.
—
Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 31 Jan. 2026
Like blue, designers say the key to incorporating green countertops in your space is to use the color sparingly, opting for subtle incorporations.
—Cori Sears, The Spruce, 30 Jan. 2026
The interiors are equally pared-back, with Francesca Muzio opting for warmth and hominess over formal perfection.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 30 Jan. 2026
During an outing in New York City in November, Jennifer Lawrence also wore an oversized puffer jacket and loose-fitting pants, but kept her boots shorter, opting for the Ugg Classic Micro.
—Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 30 Jan. 2026
Even last year, when Tesla’s profits and sales sank, most Americans who bought an EV were opting for Teslas.
—Patrick George, The Atlantic, 30 Jan. 2026
And since gold is usually the reason a style is so expensive, opting for a daintier style can also cut the price tag a bit.
—Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 30 Jan. 2026
This falls short of the double-digit growth being reported by Meta and Microsoft, but IBM is opting for a conservative approach.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
While that not be the case in Illinois, the states opting to follow the CDC’s new recommendations might result in insurance companies or Medicare/Medicaid opting not to pay for those that aren’t on the list, Isaacson said.
—Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 24 Jan. 2026
Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 31 Jan. 2026
Like blue, designers say the key to incorporating green countertops in your space is to use the color sparingly, opting for subtle incorporations.
—Cori Sears, The Spruce, 30 Jan. 2026
The interiors are equally pared-back, with Francesca Muzio opting for warmth and hominess over formal perfection.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 30 Jan. 2026
During an outing in New York City in November, Jennifer Lawrence also wore an oversized puffer jacket and loose-fitting pants, but kept her boots shorter, opting for the Ugg Classic Micro.
—Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 30 Jan. 2026
Even last year, when Tesla’s profits and sales sank, most Americans who bought an EV were opting for Teslas.
—Patrick George, The Atlantic, 30 Jan. 2026
And since gold is usually the reason a style is so expensive, opting for a daintier style can also cut the price tag a bit.
—Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 30 Jan. 2026
This falls short of the double-digit growth being reported by Meta and Microsoft, but IBM is opting for a conservative approach.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
While that not be the case in Illinois, the states opting to follow the CDC’s new recommendations might result in insurance companies or Medicare/Medicaid opting not to pay for those that aren’t on the list, Isaacson said.
—Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 24 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opting
Verb
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Now, the question of whether the US could again use force – or tactics like tariffs or sanctions – to strong-arm countries into choosing Washington’s interests over ties with China is a viable risk being evaluated in the region’s capitals.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
31 Jan. 2026
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The dramatic cover continues to guide the drama of the party, from Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) choosing Benedict as her bachelor of the season to Eloise (Claudia Jessie) discovering her sister Hyacinth (Florence Hunt) had snuck in to the ball.—
Jordana Comiter,
PEOPLE,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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As the 2026 midterms approach, affordability will again be the deciding issue among voters.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Time,
13 Jan. 2026
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Prior to that game-deciding drive, Brock Purdy and the 49ers’ offense needed to respond to the Eagles’ field goal that made the score read 19-17 on the Jumbotron at Lincoln Financial Field in favor of the home team.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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And the Rebels, after some early struggles, are suddenly figuring some things out, evidenced by a 10-point win at Utah State on Tuesday in a game they were projected to lose by 16.—
Mark Zeigler,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Jan. 2026
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Lost amid the euphoria of the first relevant Sharks season in a good long while is the fact that this team is still a collection of kids figuring things out on the fly.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
24 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Opting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opting. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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