as in voluntary
subject to one's freedom of choice
at the resort all recreational activities are optional, and you may choose to participate in none of them
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of optional
Emotional intelligence is not optional.
—
Paul Vanderbroeck, Big Think, 9 Feb. 2026
And at least two states provided free, optional curriculum so districts — especially rural ones — were not left behind.
—Verdaillia Turner, AJC.com, 9 Feb. 2026
While the city does not track how often teachers use Hidden Voices, which is optional, in their classrooms, the guides have been downloaded more than 100,000 times, and lesson plans and posters 50,000 times, according to local education data.
—Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 8 Feb. 2026
When does a gratuity become expected rather than optional?
—Ricardo Cici, Fortune, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for optional
Paul Vanderbroeck, Big Think, 9 Feb. 2026
And at least two states provided free, optional curriculum so districts — especially rural ones — were not left behind.
—Verdaillia Turner, AJC.com, 9 Feb. 2026
While the city does not track how often teachers use Hidden Voices, which is optional, in their classrooms, the guides have been downloaded more than 100,000 times, and lesson plans and posters 50,000 times, according to local education data.
—Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 8 Feb. 2026
When does a gratuity become expected rather than optional?
—Ricardo Cici, Fortune, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for optional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for optional
Adjective
-
These funds support a voluntary return-home program in which returners receive a stipend for up to seven years.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
-
In fact, Lifetouch was the first school photography company to sign a voluntary and enforceable privacy pledge—reaffirming our deep commitment to protecting school communities.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
All of these actions should automatically disqualify him from ever holding elective office again.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Many Americans report frustration with the two-party system, in which the Democratic and Republican candidates are seen as the only viable options for elective office.—
Charlie Hunt,
Washington Post,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
While stock-market gains may be boosting spending among wealthier households, there are signs discretionary spending is less robust for lower-income Americans relying primarily on more moderate wage growth.—
Bloomberg Wire,
Dallas Morning News,
10 Feb. 2026
-
In a region where water is neither abundant nor easily replaced, reducing discretionary outdoor use is one of the most effective ways to ensure Aurora can support growth through full buildout as water rights become more costly and scarce.—
Mike Coffman,
Denver Post,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Optional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/optional. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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