OPTIONALLY Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

optionally

adverb

as in alternatively

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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 optionally Buyers can gain even more off-grid capability by optionally upgrading to a 750-Ah battery and 800-watt solar setup and/or adding on options like Starlink satellite internet, a Goodguards water filtration system and a Maxview 4x4 LTE 5G antenna. — New Atlas, 5 Sep. 2026 This includes cameras, microphones, and optionally radar, which watch the surrounding area in all directions. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026 In an example video, Google demonstrates how the user can speak long, complex instructions, optionally referring to files on the local computer, and have Gemini synthesize a response directly into a document or email. — Paul Monckton, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 Both sizes are optionally available with LTE connectivity in addition to the standard Bluetooth for an extra $50. — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 22 July 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for optionally

Adverb

Rivera, 61, is asking Damian for no additional prison time — has already spent about four months in custody — or, alternatively, a sentence of no more than a year and a day.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 29 Sep. 2026
As currently designed, REGENT says their ship can carry 12 passengers at up to 180 miles per hour, or alternatively transport up to 3,500 pounds of cargo.

— Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of alternatively

Adverb

Neutron experiments instead found that the manganese spins remain essentially aligned.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026
Peggy Tanous isn’t there because she was inexplicably invited to RHUGT instead, and Peggy Sulahian isn’t there because Alex Baskin lost her number the second that season ended.

— Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of instead

Adverb

As the Tingleys alternately acquiesced to and resisted Vista Grande's insistence on medication, administrators started calling 911 after altercations, according to ambulance and police dispatch records.

— Jordan Rau, NPR, 30 Sep. 2026
Spock has cycled through several relationships that have challenged him alternately to get in touch with the human and Vulcan sides of his personality.

— Keith Phipps, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of alternately

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optional

optionally

options

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“Optionally.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/optionally. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of optionally

adverb

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