opt

1 of 2

verb

opted; opting; opts

intransitive verb

: to make a choice
especially : to decide in favor of something
opted for a tax increase Tom Wicker
After perusing the menu he opted for the prime rib.

opt

2 of 2

abbreviation

1
optical; optician; optics
2
option; optional

Examples of opt in a Sentence

Verb after that near catastrophe, they opted to reinstate the telephone service
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Verb
The Guardians are paying him $10 million this year, and Bieber can opt for a $4 million buyout or a $16 million deal for next season. Zack Meisel, New York Times, 2 June 2025 Thicke, meanwhile, opted for a classic Saint Laurent tuxedo paired with refined Santoni shoes. Sabienna Bowman, People.com, 2 June 2025 Ciara opted for utilitarian styling for her Black Women in Excellence Dinner on Sunday in London. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 2 June 2025 Green Bay may opt to keep their top wide receiver depth, but a trade is certainly not out of the question. Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for opt

Word History

Etymology

Verb

French opter, from Latin optare

First Known Use

Verb

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of opt was in 1853

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Opt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opt. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

opt

verb
ˈäpt
: to make a choice

Medical Definition

opt

abbreviation
optician

More from Merriam-Webster on opt

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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