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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of optional

Dining out, concerts, weekend travel and other optional expenses may all be competing for the same money. — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 8 Oct. 2026

Meanwhile, Mark has been taking out on his own home equity to fund his campaign, so not winning isn’t optional. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 8 Oct. 2026

There are no mandatory upfront fees, although Earnest offers an optional origination fee of 1% to 8% in exchange for a lower interest rate. — Dan Avery,megan Dematteo, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026

For extended periods of cloudy weather or colder environments, BirdVue also offers an optional 10,400-mAh removable backup battery. — New Atlas, 8 Oct. 2026