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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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 One optional feature lets the phone's owner create a duress PIN or password. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026 An optional battery pack should take its range to over 300 miles. — Michael Ballaban, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026 The menus will bring together the elegance of French cuisine with the flavors of California and will be priced at $695 per person, with optional wine pairings. — Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026 The optional tabletop sets up on that console to provide space for dining and game play. — New Atlas, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for optional

Recent Examples of Synonyms for optional

Adjective

Mumps vaccination is voluntary and given with a separate standalone vaccine that parents pay for.

— Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
The Savannah department said it was made aware of the misuse through Flock’s voluntary audit function.

— Sarah Rankin, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of voluntary

Adjective

For comparison, in France, elective egg freezing is fully covered by the country's public health insurance.

— Annie Nova, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2026
Australians, in a nation of 28 million people, face significant wait times for specialist appointments and specific diagnostic scans or elective surgeries, ranging from weeks to a year.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of elective

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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 18 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of optional

adjective

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