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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Our reforms are rooted in two fundamental truths: Patient safety is not optional, and every life is sacred.
—
Thomas Engels, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2025
The maximum towing capacity is 4,000 pounds with the optional 4K towing package.
—James Raia, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2025
The Suncast Outdoor Resin Vertical Tool Shed takes up minimal room but has plenty of interior space and optional shelving to give you ample area for all of your patio and backyard necessities.
—Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2025
Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze until ready to serve.
Variations
Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Add ½ cup regular or mini semisweet chocolate chips, 1 teaspoon peppermint extract and 2 to 3 drops of green food coloring (food coloring is optional).
—Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for optional
Thomas Engels, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2025
The maximum towing capacity is 4,000 pounds with the optional 4K towing package.
—James Raia, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2025
The Suncast Outdoor Resin Vertical Tool Shed takes up minimal room but has plenty of interior space and optional shelving to give you ample area for all of your patio and backyard necessities.
—Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2025
Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze until ready to serve.
Variations
Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Add ½ cup regular or mini semisweet chocolate chips, 1 teaspoon peppermint extract and 2 to 3 drops of green food coloring (food coloring is optional).
—Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for optional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for optional
Adjective
-
At the time, Commissioner Dave Young and former Commissioner Pat South asked the development’s owner to levy voluntary impact fees to offset initial costs for new students.—
Victoria Moorwood,
The Enquirer,
7 Aug. 2025
-
The program is voluntary for anyone who has Part D, such as a stand-alone plan or coverage included in a Medicare Advantage plan.—
Diane Omdahl,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Connecticut, their tax was actually mandatory, but the other states adopted elective taxes.—
Tax Notes Staff,
Forbes.com,
12 Aug. 2025
-
What kept her going was a strong team —the elective team at MLK.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Even small price hikes in an uncertain economy can push low- and middle-income consumers away from discretionary purchases or toward cheaper products, a 2024 Boston Consulting Group found.—
Megan Sauer,
CNBC,
4 Aug. 2025
-
Last month, economists at Wells Fargo pointed out that although discretionary spending on goods had held up, spending on services dipped 0.3% through May on a year-over-year basis.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
3 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Optional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/optional. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share