optional

adjective

op·​tion·​al ˈäp-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce optional (audio)
Synonyms of optional
: involving an option : not compulsory
optionality
ˌäp-shə-ˈna-lə-tē How to pronounce optional (audio)
noun
optionally adverb

Synonyms of optional

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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.
The Porsche Taycan is designed to seat four and has an optional fifth seat for the rear row. — Charles Singh, USA Today, 6 July 2026 Around 80% of Rilla’s workers use the housing stipend, which is optional. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 8 July 2026 Jude Webbing also offers an optional thermoplastic polyurethane coating to prevent water absorption. — Sarah Jones, Footwear News, 6 July 2026 Rather than conventional seats, the cushions are fixed directly to the chassis, and there’s an optional sustainable textile called InnoKnit, which sweeps across the sills and cockpit like a breaking wave. — Jason Barlow, Robb Report, 7 July 2026 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

option
optional
optionalize
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Cite this Entry

“Optional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optional. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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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
-ē
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on optional

Nglish: Translation of optional for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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