optional

[ op-shuh-nl ]

/ ˈɒp ʃə nl /

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See synonyms for: optional / optionally on Thesaurus.com

adjective

left to one's choice; not required or mandatory: Formal dress is optional.

leaving something to choice.

OTHER WORDS FOR optional

1 discretional, elective, voluntary.

See synonyms for optional on Thesaurus.com

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Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of optional

First recorded in 1755–65; option + -al¹

OTHER WORDS FROM optional

op·tion·al·i·ty, nounop·tion·al·ly, adverbnon·op·tion·al, adjectivenon·op·tion·al·ly, adverb

un·op·tion·al, adjectiveun·op·tion·al·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use optional in a sentence

Hence this cocktail, in which the pears themselves are optional, but the classic flavors of the dessert become a warm, cozy cocktail — to sip in front of the fire, or in front of whatever show you’re bingeing to get through this craziness.
This cocktail can keep you warm around the fire pit — and you can make it there, too|M. Carrie Allan|November 20, 2020|Washington Post
Davis continues to demand that in-person teaching be optional, even if a teacher is not considered high-risk.
Once again, a deal between D.C. and the teachers union collapses|Perry Stein|November 19, 2020|Washington Post
He often described masks as optional and once, misleadingly, as a “double-edged sword” because people might touch the fabric and then their faces.
Wearing a mask isn’t just about protecting other people, the CDC says. It can help you — and might prevent lockdowns.|Ben Guarino, Lena H. Sun, Ariana Eunjung Cha|November 12, 2020|Washington Post
The whole experience of slaloming through the lot is guided by an audio tour you can bring up on your phone — and there are optional add-ons involving “dinosaur surprises” if you wish.
The best things to do — virtually and in person — while social distancing in the D.C. area|Fritz Hahn, Hau Chu|November 12, 2020|Washington Post

It is now an optional program developers can enter, agreeing to provide rent-restricted apartments in their project in exchange for being allowed to build bigger buildings.
Morning Report: All Eyes on Council President Race|Voice of San Diego|November 10, 2020|Voice of San Diego
The future for Model S drivers is all about “optionality” said Musk.
Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk Unveils New Battery Swap System for Model S|William O’Connor|June 22, 2013|DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for optional

optional

/ (ˈɒpʃənəl) /

adjective

possible but not compulsory; left to personal choice

Derived forms of optional

optionally, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

optional

OTHER WORDS FOR optional

Origin of optional

OTHER WORDS FROM optional

Words related to optional

How to use optional in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for optional

Derived forms of optional