as in alternatively
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Recent Examples of optionally
The kitchen is nearby and is equipped with a sink, an induction cooktop, an oven, a fridge/freezer, and, optionally, a dishwasher.
—
New Atlas, 8 June 2026
The 16-way adjustable sport seats are standard, while performance seats shelled in carbon fiber—presenting more aggressive thigh and shoulder bolsters—are optionally available.
—Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 8 May 2026
Built for autonomous and networked warfare One of the XM30’s defining features is its optionally manned capability.
—Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 9 Apr. 2026
To view a live stream from either camera, tap the play arrow on its video panel (then optionally turn your phone sideways to enter full-screen mode).
—John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 18 Mar. 2026
Many Americans falsely conflate Sikh turbans, which are religious garments worn by men to protect their uncut hair and considered mandatory for everyday wear, with turbans worn by Muslims optionally and largely for cultural reasons.
—Susie Neilson, San Francisco Chronicle, 5 Mar. 2026
Holes can be cut in the fabric to insert garden plants, and optionally the fabric can be covered with mulch to hide it.
—David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 15 Feb. 2026
New Atlas, 8 June 2026
The 16-way adjustable sport seats are standard, while performance seats shelled in carbon fiber—presenting more aggressive thigh and shoulder bolsters—are optionally available.
—Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 8 May 2026
Built for autonomous and networked warfare One of the XM30’s defining features is its optionally manned capability.
—Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 9 Apr. 2026
To view a live stream from either camera, tap the play arrow on its video panel (then optionally turn your phone sideways to enter full-screen mode).
—John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 18 Mar. 2026
Many Americans falsely conflate Sikh turbans, which are religious garments worn by men to protect their uncut hair and considered mandatory for everyday wear, with turbans worn by Muslims optionally and largely for cultural reasons.
—Susie Neilson, San Francisco Chronicle, 5 Mar. 2026
Holes can be cut in the fabric to insert garden plants, and optionally the fabric can be covered with mulch to hide it.
—David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 15 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for optionally
Adverb
-
Hull the strawberries by inserting a paring knife into the stem end and twisting (alternatively, slice off the top to remove the stem).—
Maddy Sweitzer-Lamme,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
5 June 2026
-
Ho’s family is from Toisan, alternatively spelled as Taishan or Hoisan.—
Bill Addison,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
Adverb
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Life without either, the pair determine, has left Leonora morose, maladjusted and desperate to claw her way back to the road not taken.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 June 2026
-
Kelli’s speech at the party isn’t helping Shamea’s case, either.—
Ile-Ife Okantah,
Vulture,
8 June 2026
Adverb
-
The breakfast melon milk that would have been poured down the drain is instead being poured into the evening cocktail.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
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In fact, Gilligan very deliberately changed course on the long-gestating sci-fi project that would eventually become Pluribus, pivoting from a male lead to instead shaping the role especially for Seehorn.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
13 June 2026
Adverb
-
The alternately suspenseful and silly scene nicely sets up the tone for this new season, which is infused with references to classic Westerns as much as screwball comedies.—
David Canfield,
HollywoodReporter,
1 June 2026
-
Add flour mixture and 3/4 cup milk alternately, beating on low after each addition just until combined.—
Katlyn Moncada,
Better Homes & Gardens,
27 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Optionally.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/optionally. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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