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
But this is precisely why women's involvement in AI is not optional.
—
Erin Grau, TIME, 29 Jan. 2025
The excellent and recommended 14–speaker JBL sounds system is optional and like the Toyota Tacoma, the 4Runner features a JBL Flex portable speaker that is removable from the dash and works through Bluetooth.
—Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
Steamed asparagus, for serving Melting Potatoes, for serving (optional)
Directions
Prepare oven and season steaks:
Preheat oven to 250°F.
—Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 28 Jan. 2025
Sustainability Takes Center Stage Sustainable production and consumption are no longer optional.
—Anisha Sircar, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for optional 
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.
Erin Grau, TIME, 29 Jan. 2025
The excellent and recommended 14–speaker JBL sounds system is optional and like the Toyota Tacoma, the 4Runner features a JBL Flex portable speaker that is removable from the dash and works through Bluetooth.
—Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
Steamed asparagus, for serving Melting Potatoes, for serving (optional)
Directions
Prepare oven and season steaks:
Preheat oven to 250°F.
—Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 28 Jan. 2025
Sustainability Takes Center Stage Sustainable production and consumption are no longer optional.
—Anisha Sircar, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for optional
Dictionary Entries Near optional
Cite this Entry
“Optional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optional. Accessed 2 Feb. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share