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 long cargo rack to the rear can accommodate up to two children in optional seating, or the weekly shop secured in MIK-compatible storage accessories. New Atlas, 23 Apr. 2025 But even then, fundraising is never fully optional. Hanna Kang, Oc Register, 22 Apr. 2025 Rozier out Heat guard Terry Rozier will miss Wednesday’s Game 2 after spraining his left ankle during an optional workout on Monday. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2025 The simple silhouette of the Dorma bed has a number of optional features, including one or two trundles. Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for optional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for optional
Adjective
  • The Washington Post reports that the Office of Personnel Management basically told HR officials across the government that the emails are voluntary and that the agency didn't plan to do anything with the emails that were submitted.
    Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The 49ers’ voluntary offseason program got underway Tuesday, while the trio named above awaits contract extensions befitting their status as underpaid leaders on a franchise in flux.
    Cam Inman, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Patients will also be able to undergo elective surgeries, diagnostic imaging and receive cardiology, urology and other specialty care at the hospital.
    Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Some have speculated that a future consumer market for BCI would resemble LASIK eye surgery or cosmetic procedures: serious but routine, completed as an elective outpatient procedure and covered by insurance.
    Naveen Rao, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Individuals who need help controlling discretionary spending.
    Andrew Rosen, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • That spending plan would have left the state with a modest $363 million discretionary surplus, ending a two-year streak in which state lawmakers needed to plug significant spending shortfalls.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Optional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/optional. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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