opt out

British  

verb

1. to choose not to be involved (in) or part (of)

---

noun

1. the act of opting out, esp of local-authority administration

   opt-outs by hospitals and schools

opt out Idioms  

1. Choose not to participate, as in Our school opted out of the state competition. [Slang; mid-1900s]

---

Example Sentences

You know, we’re going to opt out on intelligence.’”

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

Until then, it’s easier for some to just opt out entirely.

From Slate • Apr. 9, 2026

In February 2025, the DfE wrote to nurseries saying parents should be able to opt out of paying for these extras, "to ensure no family is priced out".

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

The problem there is that the “experts” have no way of knowing that there’s anything to opt out from, since Grammarly hasn’t published a comprehensive roster.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

What this means is that the students—and parents—who choose to opt out tend to be smarter and more academically motivated to begin with.

From "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt

Related Words

• pull out
• quit
• withdraw