optional
adjective
op·tion·al
ˈäp-sh(ə-)nəl 
: involving an option : not compulsory
optionally
adverb
Examples of optional in a Sentence
Jackets are required at the restaurant, but ties are optional.
Many optional features are available on this car.
Registration is optional, not mandatory.
Recent Examples on the Web
Compliance isn’t optional—staying informed and ahead of any local or statewide regulations around rent control, evictions or other tenant rights is essential to operate responsibly and sustainably while avoiding costly legal issues.
—
Nathan Miller, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
If breaks are optional, are short breaks ever paid?
—Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2025
Along with the tritium vials, other optional extras include a titanium clasp for hanging the Ti-Scout on a belt or bag, plus a leather carrying case.
—Ben Coxworth
july 13, New Atlas, 13 July 2025
Some of these technologies are essential for ensuring the proper functioning of the service or website and cannot be disabled, while others are optional but serve to enhance the user experience in various ways.
—Matthew Strauss, Pitchfork, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for optional
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Nathan Miller, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
If breaks are optional, are short breaks ever paid?
—Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2025
Along with the tritium vials, other optional extras include a titanium clasp for hanging the Ti-Scout on a belt or bag, plus a leather carrying case.
—Ben Coxworth
july 13, New Atlas, 13 July 2025
Some of these technologies are essential for ensuring the proper functioning of the service or website and cannot be disabled, while others are optional but serve to enhance the user experience in various ways.
—Matthew Strauss, Pitchfork, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for optional
Cite this Entry
“Optional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optional. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
optional
adjective
op·tion·al
ˈäp-shnəl
-shən-ᵊl
: left to one's choice : not required
optional equipment on a new car
optionally
adverb
-ē
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