as in voluntary
subject to one's freedom of choice at the resort all recreational activities are optional, and you may choose to participate in none of them

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 optional The game shines brightest in its side stories, optional quests which provide unique gameplay and additional insight into Zoe and Mio’s inspirations. Katcy Stephan, Variety, 4 Mar. 2025 The optional level of encryption for iCloud prevents even Apple from seeing user data. Ars Technica, 4 Mar. 2025 Inside, travelers can eat at a small dinette, take warm showers, and use the optional composting toilet upgrade. Emily Forlini, PCMAG, 3 Mar. 2025 Deeper Connect has a few benefits over traditional VPNs, including Military-grade encryption, 300Mbps server speeds, built-in ad blocking, and optional parental controls. Stackcommerce Team (sponsored), PCMAG, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for optional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for optional
Adjective
  • Some bar owners had expressed concerns the program would be mandatory or would be used as a cudgel by the city to force changes to their businesses, but Alldredge stressed the program would be voluntary and would largely consist of things bars and restaurants already do.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Participation is voluntary, and patients can opt out at any time.
    Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • And some patients had their elective surgeries canceled and are sent elsewhere for care.
    Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Consider elective deferrals to your 401K up to the new maximum amount of $23,500 for 2025 to lessen the impact of an increase in marginal tax rates on income.
    Cindy McGhee, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Reconciliation is not used to address discretionary spending.
    Alison Griffin, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Trump’s order At its heart, Trump’s executive order would offer discretionary grants and issue guidance to states over using federal funds within this K-12 scholarship program.
    Suzanne Eckes, The Conversation, 20 Feb. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Optional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/optional. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on optional

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!