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
The model brings fly-by-wire controls, turbulence-reduction technology, and optional in-flight service capability with a flight attendant—features rare at this size—with even more advances rumored to be in the works.
—
Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 14 Dec. 2025
In response, they may be tempted to reduce Medicaid coverage of community care programs, many of which are considered optional under federal law, Hutt said.
—Tony Leys, USA Today, 14 Dec. 2025
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.
—Walden Green, Pitchfork, 14 Dec. 2025
To attract more talent, New Mexico is raising the base pay for child care workers from roughly $15 to $16-$19 per hour — an optional rate that 40% of licensed providers have opted into.
—Eryn Mathewson, CNN Money, 13 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for optional
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Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 14 Dec. 2025
In response, they may be tempted to reduce Medicaid coverage of community care programs, many of which are considered optional under federal law, Hutt said.
—Tony Leys, USA Today, 14 Dec. 2025
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.
—Walden Green, Pitchfork, 14 Dec. 2025
To attract more talent, New Mexico is raising the base pay for child care workers from roughly $15 to $16-$19 per hour — an optional rate that 40% of licensed providers have opted into.
—Eryn Mathewson, CNN Money, 13 Dec. 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 16 Dec. 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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