opt

1 of 2

verb

opted; opting; opts
Synonyms of optnext

intransitive verb

: to make a choice
especially : to decide in favor of something
opted for a tax increase … Tom Wicker
After perusing the menu he opted for the prime rib.

opt

2 of 2

abbreviation

1
optical; optician; optics
2
option; optional

Examples of opt in a Sentence

Verb after that near catastrophe, they opted to reinstate the telephone service
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Verb
Kate Hudson Kate Hudson opted for red hot energy in Lanvin. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 11 Feb. 2026 In January, the Fed opted to hold interest rates steady, taking a cautious approach due in part to elevated inflation. Max Zahn, ABC News, 11 Feb. 2026 Six members of last season’s Gophers opted to leave early. Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 11 Feb. 2026 How To Resolve These Problems But that shouldn’t necessarily deter you from opting for a home with lots of natural light. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for opt

Word History

Etymology

Verb

French opter, from Latin optare

First Known Use

Verb

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of opt was in 1853

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Opt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opt. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

opt

verb
ˈäpt
: to make a choice

Medical Definition

opt

abbreviation
optician

More from Merriam-Webster on opt

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