optionally

adverb

as in alternatively

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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 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
  1. alternatively
  2. either
  3. instead
  4. alternately
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
  • The rest was onshore coalbed methane, or coal seam gas, and those resources aren’t in growth mode either.
    — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026
  • As of last year, 46 projects comprising 5,000 units were either completed or are under construction, and plans for another 43 projects have been filed, according to data analytics firm Marketproof.
    — Kim Velsey, Curbed, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of either
Adverb
  • The Hope Florida Foundation supports Hope Florida, a signature initiative of DeSantis and his wife, Casey, that has aimed to get people off government assistance by connecting them with nonprofits and churches instead.
    — Liv Caputo, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Shunned by locals, who believe she is cursed, Eleni turns to ancient rituals to resurrect her dead offspring but instead summons malevolent folkloric creatures known as the Kalikantzari.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 9 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

Browse Nearby Words

optional
optionally
options
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Cite this Entry

“Optionally.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/optionally. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

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