Definition of optionalnext
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 According to the company's website, the entrances to Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park that include facial recognition technology are completely optional. Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 25 Apr. 2026 However, consumers often buy these annuities with optional insurance riders that give consumers the choice of receiving lifetime income later, said financial planners. Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2026 The only other local district that has announced an optional teacher workday on May 1 is Kannapolis City Schools. Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2026 Powered by Xreal’s X1 chip, the smart glasses offer low-latency tracking with optional 6DoF spatial anchoring so your screen stays fixed in place. Cameron Faulkner, The Verge, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for optional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for optional
Adjective
  • Russell was charged in state court with voluntary manslaughter and pleaded guilty, receiving a jail sentence and probation.
    Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Join others in voluntary efforts to keep ICE away from hospitals, schools, and shelters.
    Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The minor procedure, which is elective, is not expected to significantly impact Herro’s offseason work.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026
  • But that has not been a barrier for Latinos seeking elective office or high-level roles in government.
    ABC News, ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • It cannot be used for discretionary spending.
    Barbara Sprunt, NPR, 23 Apr. 2026
  • That would be a meaningful shift from the stagflation fears that have pressured discretionary spending over the past several weeks.
    Tony Zhang, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Optional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/optional. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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