OPTIONALLY Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

optionally

adverb

as in alternatively

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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

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

Focus on the good ones instead, and the model stays simple enough to understand, not a black box.

— Wayne Hamilton, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026
When the time came to renew the lease for the ghost kitchen, the brothers decided instead to sign on with a broker and go brick and mortar.

— Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 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

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Optionally.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/optionally. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of optionally

adverb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

heterodox

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

7 Great Ways to Say 'Great'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Oct. 2

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

7 Great Ways to Say 'Great'

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes