optional
adjective
, -shə-nᵊl\
Definition of optional
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Other Words from optional
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noun
Synonyms & Antonyms for optional
Synonyms
discretionary, elective, voluntary
Antonyms
compulsory, mandatory, nonelective, nonvoluntary, obligatory, required
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Examples of optional in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Here are some upcoming activities: Dinner dance, 5 p.m. Sunday at Shadowridge Country Club in Vista (western wear optional). — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Group makes lap blankets to honor veterans," 9 Sep. 2019 And the notion of digital privacy seems almost quaint in the face of the vast data-gathering apparatus of an authoritarian state that regards public consent as optional at best. — The Economist, "Chinese netizens get privacy-conscious," 7 Sep. 2019 The initial bid from United Maintenance was for roughly $4.248 million for the first three years, with the two optional years being about $1.499 million and $1.530 million, respectively. — Anthony Clark Carpio, Burbank Leader, "Airport officials change decision, award janitorial contract to incumbent," 30 Aug. 2019 Airports also charge extra for optional services like cleaning, towing and providing electricity to a plane while it is parked at the gate. — Jay L. Zagorsky, The Conversation, "Why would anyone want to sit on a plane for over 18 hours? An economist takes the world’s longest flight," 28 Aug. 2019 Consider common appeals to allyship and altruism; such locutions convey a sort of optional quality, a moralistic tone, and unreliable trendiness. — Astra Taylor, The New Republic, "One for All," 26 Aug. 2019 On top of his weekly spelling list, optional online math activities, and daily reading (at least 10 minutes, per the school's policies), George will be expected to become a fluent reader, and complete reading comprehension exercises. — Chloe Foussianes, Town & Country, "Prince George and Princess Charlotte's Curriculum at Thomas's Battersea Is No Joke," 24 Aug. 2019 That includes Ram's useful optional multifunction tailgate. — Dallas News, "This round in Truck Wars goes to the 2020 Dodge Ram 1500 diesel," 23 Aug. 2019 Another notable new feature: A reverse wireless charging system so that a user can power-up the latest AirPods in the optional wireless-charging case by leaving it on the back of the new Pro phones. — Mark Gurman, Fortune, "Apple Is Launching New iPhones, iPads and Macs. Here’s What to Expect," 22 Aug. 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'optional.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for optional
optional
adjective
English Language Learners Definition of optional
See the full definition for optional in the English Language Learners Dictionary
optional
adjective
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Kids Definition of optional
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