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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of optional
The company’s contract is set to expire in July 2026 but has two optional one-year extensions.
—
Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 23 Sep. 2025
There will also be an optional family healing activity and spaces in the building will be staffed with mental health professionals.
—Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 22 Sep. 2025
On a trip to Bordeaux and Dordogne, for example, Palmer said guests might start with a group bike ride to Château de Bourdeilles, enjoy a private lunch, then return to the hotel to relax or choose optional activities, such as kayaking or exploring nearby Brantôme.
—Nicole Edenedo, AFAR Media, 22 Sep. 2025
In this landscape, reskilling is no longer optional, explains Valerie Singer at Amazon Web Services and Vishaal Gupta with Pearson, in comments to an annual World Economic Forum meeting.
—Craig Costigan, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for optional
Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 23 Sep. 2025
There will also be an optional family healing activity and spaces in the building will be staffed with mental health professionals.
—Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 22 Sep. 2025
On a trip to Bordeaux and Dordogne, for example, Palmer said guests might start with a group bike ride to Château de Bourdeilles, enjoy a private lunch, then return to the hotel to relax or choose optional activities, such as kayaking or exploring nearby Brantôme.
—Nicole Edenedo, AFAR Media, 22 Sep. 2025
In this landscape, reskilling is no longer optional, explains Valerie Singer at Amazon Web Services and Vishaal Gupta with Pearson, in comments to an annual World Economic Forum meeting.
—Craig Costigan, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for optional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for optional
Adjective
-
After awarding the voluntary furlough, management will proceed with involuntary furloughs in inverse order of system seniority up to the 1,800 number, in accordance with flight attendant contracts, the union said.—
Michelle Del Rey,
USA Today,
23 Sep. 2025
-
The tips must be voluntary, not mandatory.—
Susan Tompor,
Freep.com,
23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The grand, high-ceilinged spaces interiors are outfitted with antique furnishings and chandeliers, along with an elective blend of mid-century pieces and lots of artwork.—
Madeline Weinfield,
Architectural Digest,
17 Sep. 2025
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Its adoption has extended beyond elective purchases and is increasingly becoming a financial necessity, with 47 percent reporting using BNPL for groceries and 35 percent for medical bills.—
Hugh Cameron,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Most of that sum, $300,000, will be donated directly to a charity of their choice, while the rest, $200,000, will be provided as a discretionary stipend.—
Julio Cesar Valdera Morales,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Sep. 2025
-
If my office is later notified that the city has adopted or implemented a policy, whether written or unwritten, that contravenes the statute, the city will again become ineligible for discretionary State funds.—
NWA Democrat-Gazette,
Arkansas Online,
19 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Optional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/optional. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
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