option

noun

ˈäp-shən How to pronounce option (audio)
Definition of optionnext
1
as in accessory
something that is not necessary in itself but adds to the convenience or performance of the main piece of equipment a slew of options that would add several thousand dollars to the base price of the car

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in choice
the power, right, or opportunity to choose you will have the option to select one of several quite different health insurance plans

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun option contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of option are alternative, choice, election, preference, and selection. While all these words mean "the act or opportunity of choosing or the thing chosen," option implies a power to choose that is specifically granted or guaranteed.

the option of paying now or later

When is it sensible to use alternative instead of option?

In some situations, the words alternative and option are roughly equivalent. However, alternative implies a need to choose one and reject another possibility.

equally attractive alternatives

When could choice be used to replace option?

The words choice and option are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, choice suggests the opportunity or privilege of choosing freely.

freedom of choice

When is election a more appropriate choice than option?

The meanings of election and option largely overlap; however, election implies an end or purpose which requires exercise of judgment.

doing a tax return forces certain elections on you

Where would preference be a reasonable alternative to option?

While the synonyms preference and option are close in meaning, preference suggests a choice guided by one's judgment or predilections.

a preference for cool weather

When would selection be a good substitute for option?

Although the words selection and option have much in common, selection implies a range of choice.

a varied selection of furniture

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of option My beloved straight-leg pants are available in regular, petite, and tall-length options. —Talia Ergas, Travel + Leisure, 22 Mar. 2025 In fact, tiny homes have recently become a hot topic for this very reason, and Amazon is actually surprisingly stocked with a multitude of cozy (and customizable) options at far more budget-friendly prices than a full-sized house. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 22 Mar. 2025 This separation would also allow investors the option to invest in a consistent legacy casino business or a riskier high-growth digital business. —Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 22 Mar. 2025 There are a number of different options available for the March college basketball games. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for option
Recent Examples of Synonyms for option
  1. accessory
  2. choice
  3. appliance
  4. alternative
  5. add-on
  6. way
Noun
  • Spanning over two levels, the ground floor sets the tone with a gallery-like space, where ready-to-wear and accessories are presented against industrial-chic interiors punctuated by fluted plexiglass paneling.
    — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Three cleaning modes and five accessories (tangle-free turbine tool, pet groom tool, tool holder, stair tool, and combination tool) make this upright vacuum a jack of all trades.
    — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of accessory
Noun
  • An extensive park with pools makes this an excellent choice for families, and private tours of the Borromeo Islands depart from the hotel’s boat dock.
    — Elizabeth Heath, Travel + Leisure, 16 Mar. 2025
  • With four recent sales before the start of the spring market, Sunnybrook Villas is proving to be a top choice for homebuyers seeking quality and convenience in northwest Olathe.
    — Prime Development, Kansas City Star, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of choice
Noun
  • And Jacky Jiang, with the appliance maker Guangdong Kinwing Electric Industrial Co.,Ltd., said his firm got smashed with an avalanche of cancellations when U.S. tariffs hit 125%.
    — Aowen Cao, NPR, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Photo : Lukas Scott/Nauset Media The kitchen has been updated with modern appliances.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of appliance
Noun
  • Asking for alternatives to these popular models might prove effective at conserving money in the long run.
    — Solcyré Burga, Time, 28 Mar. 2025
  • What’s Next For Consumers And Retail? How much retailers will feel the effects of consumer boycotts is still unknown, and whether or not shoppers will find lasting alternatives to the retail giants remains to be seen.
    — DeArbea Walker, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of alternative
Noun
  • For various examples and further detailed indications about the nature and use of add-ons for prompting, see my coverage at the link here.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Even Trump allies like Sens. Rand Paul and Chuck Grassley—for different reasons, sure—are sounding an alarm about the repercussions of these add-ons.
    — Philip Elliott, Time, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of add-on
Noun
  • What are some safe and effective ways to exercise while following the keto diet?
    — Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The best way to prevent type 2 diabetes is to shift toward a healthier lifestyle.
    — Julia Ries, Health, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of way

Browse Nearby Words

opting (for)
option
optional
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Option.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/option. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on option

Nglish: Translation of option for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about option

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