OPTIONAL Synonyms: 20 Similar and Opposite Words

optional

adjective

ˈäp-sh(ə-)nəl

Definition of optional

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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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 optional The kitchen block is located to the right of the entry, utilizing an optional portable induction cooker, rectangular sink with flush-mount lid and available 90-L Isotherm door fridge. — New Atlas, 8 July 2026 Understanding this landscape is no longer optional for anyone allocating capital, designing strategy, or making policy across any major sector. — Nili Gilbert, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 HelloPrenup, for example, charges a flat $599 per couple for its basic service and offers optional add-ons such as notarization (where applicable), attorney consultations and separate attorney representation for each partner. — Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 6 July 2026 However, as of July 2025, the CDC made tracking cyclospora optional, as part of scaling back its Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network. — Erika Edwards, NBC news, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for optional

Recent Examples of Synonyms for optional

Adjective

The reason is that the administration has shrunk the requirements for reports of immunization from states, changing the reports from mandated to voluntary.

— Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Without control of committee gavels — and the subpoena power that comes with them — legislative inquiries from the Hill minority generally rely on the voluntary compliance from their targets to produce documents or testimony.

— Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of voluntary

Adjective

My personal opinion is that any elective operation done on a child requires absolute care, multidisciplinary collaboration, and honest conversations with families.

— Kavitha Ranganathan, STAT, 29 June 2026
Heaton experienced this firsthand following her elective double mastectomy.

— Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026

Definition of elective

Adjective

At the committee hearing, Wahab said the bill is meant to increase transparency over the county’s discretionary funds by bolstering public oversight of the county’s money and adding new checks on how taxpayer funds get spent.

— Kyle Martin, Mercury News, 6 July 2026
For years, my wife Holly's purchasing choices have served as a leading indicator for consumer discretionary spending trends.

— Michael Khouw, CNBC, 6 July 2026

Definition of discretionary

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option

optional

optionally

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“Optional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/optional. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of optional

adjective

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