as in alternatively
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Recent Examples of optionally
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
The exterior is finished in wood, and it can optionally be paired with a deck to extend living space.
—Adam Williams
march 26, New Atlas, 26 Mar. 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
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
The exterior is finished in wood, and it can optionally be paired with a deck to extend living space.
—Adam Williams
march 26, New Atlas, 26 Mar. 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
-
Ho’s family is from Toisan, alternatively spelled as Taishan or Hoisan.—
Bill Addison,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
-
Prepare to be dazzled by the destination's stunningly clear waters, which are great for boating, swimming, or paddling; alternatively, post up by one of the pristine beaches.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
3 June 2026
Adverb
-
No detail goes unnoticed by housekeeping, either.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
Both must advance together — not as either/or choices but as parallel organizational commitments.—
Anjali Chaudhry,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Adverb
-
An entire mission directing six blasts against three Russian frontline targets in eastern Ukraine will involve no Ukrainian troops on the ground, the battle instead directed from gamer chairs, observed from reconnaissance drones above, run over dedicated livestreams.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
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The new method instead incorporates physiological feedback from the insect, enabling the technology to respond to its state in real time.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
30 May 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 5 Jun. 2026.
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