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optional

adjective

ˈäp-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce optional (audio)
Definition of optionalnext
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

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 Others are alcohol-optional or roll straight into a bar night afterward. — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 17 Sep. 2026 Others stay alcohol-optional or serve as pregames before a night out. — Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 17 Sep. 2026 The new setup makes just 11 hp, though that number can be doubled with the optional RS package. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 16 Sep. 2026 The Regents exams will continue to be offered on an optional basis. — Jennifer McLogan, CBS News, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for optional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for optional
  1. voluntary
  2. elective
  3. discretionary
Adjective
  • The Show-Me State is also one of 24 states that doesn’t have right-to-work laws, which is key to guarantee union membership and financial support are voluntary for workers.
    — Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Given that personal insistence, the election – in which 49 veterans of the Ukraine war were elected – is more likely to be used as evidence that Russia rewards its soldiers with plum political jobs, as a means of boosting voluntary recruitment.
    — Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of voluntary
Adjective
  • This includes elective deferrals, employer matching and nonelective contributions and allocations of forfeitures.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Trump carried Michigan in 2024, albeit narrowly, and El-Sayed is a progressive who has never held elective office.
    — Susan Page, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of elective
Adjective
  • The $177 billion finding represents nearly 10% of federal discretionary spending, the groups said.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Sep. 2026
  • The bill, experts told Semafor, will make future penalties less discretionary for the president.
    — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of discretionary

Browse Nearby Words

option
optional
optionally
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Cite this Entry

“Optional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/optional. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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