as in alternatively
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Recent Examples of optionally
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
This particular build features a solid left sidewall, but Expandable does offer a second glass sidewall optionally, promising even more light and indoor/outdoor connection.
—New Atlas, 17 Dec. 2025
Further, the advanced version of the jet could also be optionally manned.
—Abhishek Bhardwaj, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2025
This car showed up on Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires, but super-sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R track tires are also optionally available.
—Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 27 Aug. 2025
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
This particular build features a solid left sidewall, but Expandable does offer a second glass sidewall optionally, promising even more light and indoor/outdoor connection.
—New Atlas, 17 Dec. 2025
Further, the advanced version of the jet could also be optionally manned.
—Abhishek Bhardwaj, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2025
This car showed up on Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires, but super-sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R track tires are also optionally available.
—Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 27 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for optionally
Adverb
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Paul has alternatively claimed that Mortensen got physical with her in recent weeks.—
Jessica Schladebeck,
New York Daily News,
18 Mar. 2026
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When a medic advised him that the cut would need stitches, Green suggested piercing the bandage up with a stud — or, alternatively, throwing some Elmer’s glue on it.—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
16 Mar. 2026
Adverb
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The layout is not fixed either and can change as children grow, priorities shift, and new preferences arise.—
Stefan Ionescu
March 30,
New Atlas,
30 Mar. 2026
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Airports are not red-carpet affairs either, of course.—
Bill Barrow,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Mar. 2026
Adverb
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During the class, Renee didn’t explicitly dwell on the price drop, instead choosing to emphasize the highs.—
Bracey Harris,
NBC news,
28 Mar. 2026
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But officials said earlier this year the city was no longer interested in the takeover, and, instead, Lyster said the city is eyeing transit options to link multiple billion-dollar developments around Anaheim.—
Victoria Le,
Oc Register,
28 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
The album was alternately recorded at studios in Los Angeles and Sussex, England.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
26 Mar. 2026
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Rodriguez, 22, is a hard thrower who made his major league debut last season and has alternately been highly impressive and struggled with his command this spring.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Optionally.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/optionally. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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