optional

[ op-shuh-nl ]

/ ˈɒp ʃə nl /

Save This Word!

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

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

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.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

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

We recently reported that, although optional, some schools had no teachers willing to return to campus for the district’s first phase of reopening.
Morning Report: The Story Behind MCC’s Only Coronavirus Death|Voice of San Diego|October 23, 2020|Voice of San Diego
OK, before we move on to step three, which is totally optional, take a look at your car—you now have pretty much everything you need to car camp!
How to Build Out Your Subaru Forester for $350 or Less|Madeleine LaPlante-Dube|October 15, 2020|Outside Online
They boast a fast charging speed, and come in both AA or AAA options, with an optional charger.
Home and office products that make sure-fire gifts|PopSci Commerce Team|October 8, 2020|Popular-Science
The ThinkPad X1 Fold has a 13-inch OLED touch screen that folds down the middle and an optional 5G modem that offers superfast wireless connectivity, at least in places covered by 5G mobile networks.
Two cutting-edge features have been added to a Lenovo laptop—but will it sell?|Aaron Pressman|September 29, 2020|Fortune

There are optional add-ons like a carrying case and varying sizes of water tanks so you can enjoy multiple espresso drinks, from a ristretto to a caffè lungo.
Gear to make every day feel like National Coffee Day|PopSci Commerce Team|September 29, 2020|Popular-Science
Optionally, it can live up to its description by crashing into targets and detonating a five-pound warhead.
Smoke Rings, Mystery Backpacks and Gun-Toting Robots: The Weird Wartech of the Korean Conflict|Kyle Mizokami|April 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Regular university credit is given, but students may attend these lectures optionally and many do so.
Papers and Proceedings of the Twenty-Third General Meeting of the American Library Association|Various
In many cases, for this reason, good students take the subject optionally (without credit), though doing full work in it.
College Teaching|Paul Klapper
By the Egyptians it was practised in the same manner (excepting their Priests) as by the Tyrians,—viz., optionally.
The History of Ancient America, Anterior to the Time of Columbus|George Jones
At this time the sounds Hin and others may be made, alternately or optionally, according to habit.
The Kama Sutra of Vatsyayana|Vatsyayana

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