optional

adjective

op·​tion·​al ˈäp-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce optional (audio)
: involving an option : not compulsory
optionality noun
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
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.
Meanwhile, WhatsApp assured users via BBC News that its suddenly ever-present blue circle is optional, despite being unremovable. Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025 Channeling your favorite herbivore from Jurassic Park is optional. Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 23 Apr. 2025 While some players believe that overworlds are tedious and archaic game designs that only add unnecessary filler in between traveling to different destinations, Expedition 33 avoids this problem by placing optional dungeons on the overworld. George Yang, Rolling Stone, 23 Apr. 2025 The dinner — black tie optional — is scheduled for May 22, with a reception for the top 25 wallets. Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for optional

Word History

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of optional was in 1765

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Optional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optional. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

optional

adjective
op·​tion·​al ˈäp-shnəl How to pronounce optional (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
: left to one's choice : not required
optional equipment on a new car
optionally
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on optional

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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