OPTIONAL Synonyms: 20 Similar and Opposite Words

optional

adjective

ˈäp-sh(ə-)nəl

Definition of optional

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

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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 black-tie-optional event brought together more than 400 leaders and changemakers to raise funds for early childhood programs, including Fox, who naturally put her own spin on the dress code. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026 Swapping plastic borders for a sleek, edge-to-edge glass face—and adding an optional aluminum back—gives the base model a surprisingly high-end feel. — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 21 Oct. 2026 So, the model wrote a plausible-sounding tip, left the optional name and contact boxes blank, and clicked submit. — Anat Lior, The Conversation, 21 Oct. 2026 Equally noteworthy were the robe coats (belts optional) at Colleen Allen and Calvin Klein, cut in soft shapes for a natural drape. — Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for optional

Recent Examples of Synonyms for optional

Adjective

Yes, indeed, although voluntary export restraints raise a series of technical issues.

— semafor.com, semafor.com, 20 Oct. 2026
The voluntary settlement agreement does not require a monetary payment, and the university does not admit to any wrongdoing or liability.

— Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of voluntary

Adjective

In everyday shopping centers, clinics offer health screening and elective care.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2026
Check your insurance terms directly rather than assuming elective treatment or related complications are covered.

— Kaitlyn Gomez, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of elective

Adjective

For ThredUp, those overlapping behaviors present an opportunity to attract customers as households weigh competing demands on discretionary spending.

— Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026
Every single day, each person chooses how much of their energy, creativity, and discretionary effort to bring to work.

— Deborah Lovich, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of discretionary

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option

optional

optionally

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

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Synonyms of optional

adjective

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