Synonyms of optional

optional

adjective

ˈäp-sh(ə-)nəl 

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

• voluntary
• elective
• discretionary
• alternative
• unnecessary
• chosen
• alternate
• unwanted
• dispensable
• unneeded

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• mandatory
• compulsory
• required
• obligatory
• necessary
• essential
• requisite
• nonvoluntary
• nonelective
• indispensable

Examples of optional in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Our tester reviewed a Sunset Luxe mattress with the optional GlacioTex cooling cover, which worked to dismantle memory foam’s reputation for being a heat conductor. —Ashley Zlatopolsky, Architectural Digest, 17 Oct. 2024

The closest the federal agency came to meeting the requirements were optional, unenforceable measures that the court deemed insufficient. —Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2024

Juice or blend the ingredients: Feed the wheatgrass and optional ingredients through the juicer. —Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Ld, Health, 14 Oct. 2024

Participation in the program is optional; enrollees must choose to enroll. —Diane Omdahl, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024