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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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 Norton sees these practices as optional extras in a wellness routine. — Jamie Wolff, HEALTH, 30 Oct. 2026 Accessibility features may become standard rather than optional. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 30 Oct. 2026 Starting early has not been optional, Democratic fund-raisers say. — New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026 Forman cautioned that the British recommendations remain largely optional and that their effectiveness will depend on whether institutions act. — Ariella Noveck, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for optional

Recent Examples of Synonyms for optional

Adjective

Those voluntary licenses cover a specific set of countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and Latin America.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
Even a mandate as simple as removing racist or demeaning school mascots has depended more on districts’ voluntary compliance than force.

— David Bloomfield, New York Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of voluntary

Adjective

In everyday shopping centers, clinics offer health screening and elective care.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2026
Check your insurance terms directly rather than assuming elective treatment or related complications are covered.

— Kaitlyn Gomez, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of elective

Adjective

The company may review requests submitted within three months of the unauthorized withdrawal, but reimbursement remains discretionary.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026
The chief prosecutor in local criminal courts – the titles vary, such as district attorney, prosecuting attorney, state’s attorney or county attorney – has enormous discretionary power over criminal law enforcement.

— Ronald Wright, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 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 7 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of optional

adjective

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