optional

adjective

op·​tion·​al ˈäp-sh(ə-)nəl 

: involving an option : not compulsory

optionality

ˌäp-shə-ˈna-lə-tē 

noun

optionally adverb

Synonyms

• discretionary
• elective
• voluntary

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

Place the basil leaves (and optional lemon zest) into a clean glass jar. —Claudia Alarcón, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025

Inside the cozy cockpit, leather, burl wood, and side curtains with sliding plastic windows take the driver back many decades to a time when radios were an optional nuisance—all that mattered was the vehicle and the road. —Robert Ross, Robb Report, 30 May 2025

The optional upstairs bedroom space sleeps two people, providing a four-person family camper option. —New Atlas, 29 May 2025

But the black-tie optional wedding would have no wine service at its buffet dinner, and would only offer an open bar at cocktail hour. —Rachel Raposas, People.com, 29 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

optional

adjective

op·​tion·​al ˈäp-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

: left to one's choice : not required

optional equipment on a new car

optionally

-ē

adverb