optional

American  

[op-shuh-nl] / ˈɒp ʃə nl /

adjective

1. left to one's choice; not required or mandatory.

   Formal dress is optional.

   Synonyms:

   voluntary, elective, discretional

2. leaving something to choice.

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optional British  

/ ˈɒpʃənəl /

adjective

1. possible but not compulsory; left to personal choice

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Other Word Forms

• nonoptional adjective
• nonoptionally adverb
• optionality noun
• optionally adverb
• unoptional adjective
• unoptionally adverb

Etymology

Origin of optional

First recorded in 1755–65; option + -al ¹

Example Sentences

The First Amendment is not optional and journalism is not a crime.

From Salon

People said he treated the taxation laws as entirely optional, but he would make a fair deal where the need was real.

From Literature

If “Oh, Mary!” is out of someone’s price range, do something more cost-effective or make seeing the play optional.

From MarketWatch

“As electricity demand surges — driven by AI, data centers, manufacturing and electrification — energy storage is no longer optional; it is essential infrastructure,” Redwood said in a statement on Wednesday.

From MarketWatch

Demand is fed now by “diversification away from a system where fiscal discipline and geopolitical restraint feels optional and monetary credibility is constantly being tested,” Skoyles said.

From MarketWatch