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 Notifications can also optionally be sent to a phone, smartwatch, or bike computer. — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 4 July 2026 Avast’s Data Recovery scan starts by asking which disk to check and optionally accepts a filename or file type. — Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 24 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 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
  1. alternatively
  2. either
  3. instead
  4. alternately
Adverb
  • Cecchi recommends visiting from April to June or alternatively in September or October, when the weather is pleasant and the city feels slightly less crowded.
    — Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
  • For individuals whose symptoms persist despite medication, surgery may alternatively offer significant relief.
    — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 7 July 2026
Definition of alternatively
Adverb
  • However, the new planes Boeing is currently working on, that will eventually replace the Qatari donated jet, will not have that capability either.
    — Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 10 July 2026
  • No great savings on your grocery bill either, including on one of Florida's most famous exports.
    — Scott Cohn, CNBC, 10 July 2026
Definition of either
Adverb
  • Then, through circumstances beyond their control, the joy was gone, and instead they were forced to play in defense of our national pride and honor.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
  • The brand would be wiser to instead focus on making healthy meals for a night in watching Love Island.
    — Toni Fitzgerald, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Definition of instead
Adverb
  • The fun part of this recipe is poking holes in the cake and then spooning in the blueberry and strawberry fillings alternately to create the red, white, and blue effect.
    — Brennan Long, Southern Living, 3 July 2026
  • Squeezed into a latex bodysuit and donning cornrows, Madonna alternately wields a whip, is bound to a chair and poses with a Chihuahua — in matching latex.
    — Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 29 June 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 12 Jul. 2026.

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