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
If desired, dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone, but this is totally optional.
—
Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2025
Flashlights and sleeping bags are optional.
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 1 Nov. 2025
The optional ambient lighting and an aromatherapy tray features add to the calming vibe for winding down before bed.
—Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
On Thursday, the Dodgers held an optional team workout at the Rogers Centre, but manager Dave Roberts said every single player was in attendance.
—Noah Camras, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for optional
Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2025
Flashlights and sleeping bags are optional.
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 1 Nov. 2025
The optional ambient lighting and an aromatherapy tray features add to the calming vibe for winding down before bed.
—Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
On Thursday, the Dodgers held an optional team workout at the Rogers Centre, but manager Dave Roberts said every single player was in attendance.
—Noah Camras, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for optional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for optional
Adjective
-
The Medicare prescription drug plan, known as Part D, is completely voluntary.—
Susan Tompor,
Freep.com,
4 Nov. 2025
-
More than 1% of Americans headed west in one of the largest voluntary mass migrations in human history.—
Trevor Hughes,
USA Today,
3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Teachers were made aware of my condition, and the name elective mutism was ultimately changed to selective mutism.—
Erin Silvia,
PEOPLE,
28 Oct. 2025
-
This designation halts outpatient and elective procedures and ensures more beds are open for emergencies.—
Briana Waxman,
CNN Money,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Information technology, consumer discretionary and communication services were the worst-performing sectors in the benchmark.—
Sean Conlon,Pia Singh,
CNBC,
3 Nov. 2025
-
Massachusetts Federal District Judge Indira Talwani ruled against that argument, saying that the government has the option to provide reduced benefits with the contingency funds or shift other discretionary funds to cover the shortfall.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
2 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Optional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/optional. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
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