OPTION Synonyms: 81 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'option' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of option are alternative , choice , election , preference , and selection . While all these words mean "the act or opportunity of choosing or the thing chosen," option implies a power to choose that is specifically granted or guaranteed. // the option of paying now or later

Q: When is it sensible to use 'alternative' instead of 'option'?

In some situations, the words alternative and option are roughly equivalent. However, alternative implies a need to choose one and reject another possibility. // equally attractive alternatives

Q: When could 'choice' be used to replace 'option'?

The words choice and option are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, choice suggests the opportunity or privilege of choosing freely. // freedom of choice

Q: When is 'election' a more appropriate choice than 'option'?

The meanings of election and option largely overlap; however, election implies an end or purpose which requires exercise of judgment. // doing a tax return forces certain elections on you

Q: Where would 'preference' be a reasonable alternative to 'option'?

While the synonyms preference and option are close in meaning, preference suggests a choice guided by one's judgment or predilections. // a preference for cool weather

Q: When would 'selection' be a good substitute for 'option'?

Although the words selection and option have much in common, selection implies a range of choice. // a varied selection of furniture

option

noun

ˈäp-shən

Definition of option

as in accessory

something that is not necessary in itself but adds to the convenience or performance of the main piece of equipment a slew of options that would add several thousand dollars to the base price of the car

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in choice

the power, right, or opportunity to choose you will have the option to select one of several quite different health insurance plans

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun option contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of option are alternative, choice, election, preference, and selection. While all these words mean "the act or opportunity of choosing or the thing chosen," option implies a power to choose that is specifically granted or guaranteed.

the option of paying now or later

When is it sensible to use alternative instead of option?

In some situations, the words alternative and option are roughly equivalent. However, alternative implies a need to choose one and reject another possibility.

equally attractive alternatives

When could choice be used to replace option?

The words choice and option are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, choice suggests the opportunity or privilege of choosing freely.

freedom of choice

When is election a more appropriate choice than option?

The meanings of election and option largely overlap; however, election implies an end or purpose which requires exercise of judgment.

doing a tax return forces certain elections on you

Where would preference be a reasonable alternative to option?

While the synonyms preference and option are close in meaning, preference suggests a choice guided by one's judgment or predilections.

a preference for cool weather

When would selection be a good substitute for option?

Although the words selection and option have much in common, selection implies a range of choice.

a varied selection of furniture

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 option Each picture mode offers essentially the same rich set of options, except for AI-enhanced, which locks you out of some settings (including local contrast and color tuner), presumably because the AI logic is handling those. — M. David Stone, PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2026 The neurologist noted that MS treatment has advanced dramatically over the course of his career, growing from virtually no options to more than 20 medications today. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026 Still, the findings suggest Amgen's drug could be another option offered to small cell lung cancer patients earlier in their treatment. — Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026 According to reports, Nio is offering both purchasing and rental options for the new battery-carrying Firefly. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for option

Recent Examples of Synonyms for option

Noun

Its thrift store is stocked with clothes and items collected during student move-outs when many items get left behind, including Halloween costumes and accessories.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
But the versatility of the color doesn’t end with clothes; the beauty of camel extends to accessories, making even the smallest details feel luxe.

— InStyle, InStyle, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of accessory

Noun

And per-action authorization proves an instruction was permitted, not that the decision behind it was sound; an agent manipulated into a bad choice within its authority still needs monitoring and human oversight.

— Julian Durand, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026
For now, however, Bangladesh’s garment workers—and billions across the Global South—have little choice but to endure given scant signs of relief in oil markets.

— Charlie Campbell, Time, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of choice

Noun

Many homeowners are setting these up by task, such as a breakfast cabinet, a coffee cabinet, a baking pantry, an appliance cabinet or a snack pantry, and that approach is likely to keep showing up in kitchen design ideas.

— Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 22 Oct. 2026
Appliance garages are a smart way to get the clutter-free look, but their future depends on design that keeps safety in mind, because the best appliance garage hides the clutter without hiding the risks.

— Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of appliance

Noun

Since its launch 15 years ago, Mubadala Capital has become the first sovereign fund to take in third-party capital, and now manages around $60 billion in its core alternatives business.

— Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Explain your limitations in providing what the client wants while offering alternatives if possible.

— Mark Berookim, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of alternative

Noun

Flournoy, 26, was the second offensive player to get an extension on Thursday after tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford landed a three-year, $18 million add-on to his expiring contract.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Sep. 2026
It is treated as a quick fix for automation or a clever add-on that makes existing workflows smoother.

— Tal Dagan, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of add-on

Noun

An agent can work in the background, remember preferences, monitor information and handle tasks across various websites and apps.

— Marty Swant, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
Glance functions like a personal shopper, remembering the users’ preferences, scouring the web for good deals on the right looks and circling back to offer up virtual try-ons and get the green light before making the purchase.

— Evan Clark, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of preference

Noun

There are few households in Israel that haven’t been affected in some way by the events that have played out since, leaving a sense of profound grief and insecurity that lingers across the Israeli society.

— Yarden Segev, NBC news, 27 Oct. 2026
The second-year fifth-round pick started at the MIKE spot and handled green-dot responsibilities on his way to recording six tackles and being active throughout the night.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of way

Browse Nearby Words

opting (for)

option

optional

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Option.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/option. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of option

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

8 Words Traded on Wall Street and in...

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on option

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

milieu

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes

Synonyms of option

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Articles Related to option

8 Words Traded on Wall Street and in...

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on option

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

milieu

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes