optional
adjective
op·tion·al
ˈäp-sh(ə-)nəl 
: involving an option : not compulsory
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
Some of these technologies are essential for ensuring the proper functioning of the service or website and cannot be disabled, while others are optional but serve to enhance the user experience in various ways.
—
Matthew Strauss, Pitchfork, 8 Sep. 2025
Days later, the SSA announced that this was actually optional.
—Eli Hager, ProPublica, 8 Sep. 2025
Highly likable people treat these interactions as meaningful, not optional.
—Lorraine K. Lee, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2025
The menu is designed as three courses (with optional wine pairings) or five courses with optional pairings.
—Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for optional
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Matthew Strauss, Pitchfork, 8 Sep. 2025
Days later, the SSA announced that this was actually optional.
—Eli Hager, ProPublica, 8 Sep. 2025
Highly likable people treat these interactions as meaningful, not optional.
—Lorraine K. Lee, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2025
The menu is designed as three courses (with optional wine pairings) or five courses with optional pairings.
—Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for optional
Cite this Entry
“Optional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optional. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
optional
adjective
op·tion·al
ˈäp-shnəl
-shən-ᵊl
: left to one's choice : not required
optional equipment on a new car
optionally
adverb
-ē
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