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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of optional
Apple's iPads are not marketed with an IP rating, and the Apple Pencil stylus is an optional accessory.
—
PC Magazine, 13 Oct. 2025
It is understood that the licences will be optional and geared towards premium seating areas, while normal general admission season tickets will still be available where a fan can have the same seat for every game and the ability to apply for away games and cup final tickets.
—Andy Mitten, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
And to preface, these are optional.
—Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Oct. 2025
During a recent visit, a few dozen were working quietly with teachers, with each other or on their own, and teachers were holding two optional small-group classes.
—Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for optional
PC Magazine, 13 Oct. 2025
It is understood that the licences will be optional and geared towards premium seating areas, while normal general admission season tickets will still be available where a fan can have the same seat for every game and the ability to apply for away games and cup final tickets.
—Andy Mitten, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
And to preface, these are optional.
—Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Oct. 2025
During a recent visit, a few dozen were working quietly with teachers, with each other or on their own, and teachers were holding two optional small-group classes.
—Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for optional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for optional
Adjective
-
Pacific Coast Producers, based in California, issued a voluntary recall for select lots of four fruit products on September 4 due to the potential contamination.—
Matthew Robinson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
-
Admission is free, but voluntary donations are appreciated.—
Molly Guthrey,
Twin Cities,
13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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In some cases, Kaiser is shifting appointments to virtual care via phone, video or e-chat programs and may need to reschedule certain appointments, elective surgeries and procedures, Kanakri said in a statement to the Southern California News Group.—
Pat Maio,
Oc Register,
13 Oct. 2025
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Kaiser said in a notice to patients that its hospitals and medical offices would remain open in the event of a strike, but that the health system may reschedule some non-urgent appointments or elective surgeries.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Consumer discretionary stocks face risks owing to their dependence on imports and the direct cost impact of tariffs.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
13 Oct. 2025
-
But the consumer discretionary sector, as measured by the XLY ETF , isn’t doing as well.—
Fred Imbert,
CNBC,
8 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Optional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/optional. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
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