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 The long cargo rack to the rear can accommodate up to two children in optional seating, or the weekly shop secured in MIK-compatible storage accessories. New Atlas, 23 Apr. 2025 But even then, fundraising is never fully optional. Hanna Kang, Oc Register, 22 Apr. 2025 Rozier out Heat guard Terry Rozier will miss Wednesday’s Game 2 after spraining his left ankle during an optional workout on Monday. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2025 The simple silhouette of the Dorma bed has a number of optional features, including one or two trundles. Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for optional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for optional
Adjective
  • The 49ers’ voluntary offseason program got underway Tuesday, while the trio named above awaits contract extensions befitting their status as underpaid leaders on a franchise in flux.
    Cam Inman, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The Washington Post reports that the Office of Personnel Management basically told HR officials across the government that the emails are voluntary and that the agency didn't plan to do anything with the emails that were submitted.
    Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The Torment system is a fully elective system that adds four new tiers of difficulty to the previously existing four.
    Alan Bradley, ArsTechnica, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Coleman, 50, ousted an incumbent City Council member two years ago to start his career in elective office.
    Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • President Trump's budget proposal would cut 22% of non-defense discretionary spending next year while significantly increasing defense spending, according to a senior official with the Office of Management and Budget and information provided by the White House.
    Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 2 May 2025
  • Its middle income shoppers have pulled back on discretionary spending in the face of still-high prices for necessities.
    Time, Time, 2 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Optional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/optional. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

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