as in chooses
to come to a judgment about after discussion or consideration
after that near catastrophe, they opted to reinstate the telephone service
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Recent Examples of opts
Unwilling to answer questions from local law enforcement at a hospital, Joaquin opts to stay off the radar.
—
Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 13 June 2026
At the same time, Simone opts for a subtler tactic, setting a trap for her predominantly white audience.
—Wesley Morris, New York Times, 9 June 2026
Instead of sculpting a sensational Trail of Tears scene of violent removal, Lewis opts for something tranquil.
—Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 8 June 2026
Zendesk opts for a more monochromatic look, so some functions and settings are harder to find.
—John Brandon, PC Magazine, 8 June 2026
Where Gomez typically opts for black ensembles and rich jewel tones, the white tulle design was a refreshing look that felt like a subtle nod to her wedding style.
—Staff Author, InStyle, 6 June 2026
Gibbard hides from rain, opts for Irish goodbyes, and resorts to giving himself pep talks to drag himself out of bed.
—Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 6 June 2026
Coordinating Slab Backsplash Designer Paige Williams often skips the tile aisle and opts for the seamless look of slab backsplashes instead.
—Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 4 June 2026
Seats tend to come open for election — as opposed to appointment — when a judge opts not to run for re-election.
—Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 June 2026
Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 13 June 2026
At the same time, Simone opts for a subtler tactic, setting a trap for her predominantly white audience.
—Wesley Morris, New York Times, 9 June 2026
Instead of sculpting a sensational Trail of Tears scene of violent removal, Lewis opts for something tranquil.
—Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 8 June 2026
Zendesk opts for a more monochromatic look, so some functions and settings are harder to find.
—John Brandon, PC Magazine, 8 June 2026
Where Gomez typically opts for black ensembles and rich jewel tones, the white tulle design was a refreshing look that felt like a subtle nod to her wedding style.
—Staff Author, InStyle, 6 June 2026
Gibbard hides from rain, opts for Irish goodbyes, and resorts to giving himself pep talks to drag himself out of bed.
—Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 6 June 2026
Coordinating Slab Backsplash Designer Paige Williams often skips the tile aisle and opts for the seamless look of slab backsplashes instead.
—Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 4 June 2026
Seats tend to come open for election — as opposed to appointment — when a judge opts not to run for re-election.
—Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opts
Verb
-
That is, the person who chooses a gratifying activity in the present moment is correct in relation to their current desires, but wrong about their future ones.—
Ian Bogost,
The Atlantic,
16 June 2026
-
And in the Season 2 finale, Hank chooses to his wipe his memory clean.—
Matt Minton,
Variety,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
Jefa de Calle's a regime agent assigned to Carmen's block who decides, house by house, who receives a monthly food bag and who is punished with hunger.—
Sarah Lynch Baldwin,
CBS News,
10 Dec. 2025
-
But in Texas, dying without a will means the state decides how to divide your property, not you.—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Antetokounmpo’s impending extension also figures to carry sway on trade deliberaions beyond both South Florida and Milwaukee, with an acquiring team needing to know if an acquisition might only be for the final, single 2026-27 season guaranteed on Antetokounmpo’s current contract.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
9 June 2026
-
This figures to be the most accessible of all the Kansas City matches.—
Kellis Robinett,
Kansas City Star,
9 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Opts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opts. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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