optional
adjective
op·tion·al
ˈäp-sh(ə-)nəl 
: involving an option : not compulsory
optionally
adverb
Examples of optional in a Sentence
Jackets are required at the restaurant, but ties are optional.
Many optional features are available on this car.
Registration is optional, not mandatory.
Recent Examples on the Web
Set realistic expectations—results vary, and acupuncture works best as part of a broader, optional wellness offering rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.
—
Irina Logman, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Ekblad fine Defenseman Aaron Ekblad was a full participant in the Panthers’ optional practice on Sunday and said there are no issues with his left hand after blocking a Darnell Nurse shot during the second overtime period of Game 2 on Friday.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 8 June 2025
There are a few engaging minigames buried in there as well, including an especially fun one that asks you to mimic on-screen faces in front of an optional webcam.
—ArsTechnica, 6 June 2025
Chinese coffee shop Mandarin Coffee Stand made a similar announcement on Instagram last week and took optional cream top add-ons off the menu on Sunday.
—Lauren Ng, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for optional
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Irina Logman, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Ekblad fine Defenseman Aaron Ekblad was a full participant in the Panthers’ optional practice on Sunday and said there are no issues with his left hand after blocking a Darnell Nurse shot during the second overtime period of Game 2 on Friday.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 8 June 2025
There are a few engaging minigames buried in there as well, including an especially fun one that asks you to mimic on-screen faces in front of an optional webcam.
—ArsTechnica, 6 June 2025
Chinese coffee shop Mandarin Coffee Stand made a similar announcement on Instagram last week and took optional cream top add-ons off the menu on Sunday.
—Lauren Ng, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for optional
Cite this Entry
“Optional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optional. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
optional
adjective
op·tion·al
ˈäp-shnəl
-shən-ᵊl
: left to one's choice : not required
optional equipment on a new car
optionally
adverb
-ē
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