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 If that happens, option prices may not move much, or even decay. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025 His contract expires in the summer of 2028, with a one-year option, but the Ghana international is expected to leave this summer, to enable West Ham to reinvest the fee in their team. —Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 28 May 2025 One option was to book more celebrities or care about Instagram followers. —Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 28 May 2025 The Environmental Working Group’s Healthy Living app is another option. —Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 17 May 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
  • For example, a store in Austin could stock festival outfits during SXSW, or a store in Chicago might promote warm beverages or winter accessories ahead of a cold snap.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • She is charged with one felony count of accessory after the fact.
    — Louis Casiano , Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2025
Definition of accessory
Noun
  • Goal of the season This was a choice between Bowen’s superb strike from outside the box against Ipswich and his volley against Forest.
    — Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • Automating Reputation Management Online reputation drives consumer choice, with 91% looking at online reviews before hiring a contractor.
    — Matthew Bentley, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Definition of choice
Noun
  • If time permits, disconnect utilities and appliances.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 7 June 2025
  • These super-computing facilities have become an important component of modern life, powering everything from smart home appliances to social media to AI chatbots.
    — Thomas Grizzetti, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
Definition of appliance
Noun
  • White balsamic vinegar is a great alternative to regular balsamic vinegar in summer dressings and vinaigrettes.
    — Erin Hooker, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 May 2025
  • As Europe scrambled to reduce its dependence on Russian energy, Baku emerged as a partial alternative.
    — Zaur Shiriyev, Foreign Affairs, 26 May 2025
Definition of alternative
Noun
  • Amazon Prime occasionally offers a seven-day free trial of its Max add-on.
    — Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • Optional add-ons include Cancel For Any Reason and Interruption for Any Reason (IFAR) coverage and protection for rental cars, sports equipment and event tickets.
    — Liz Knueven, CNBC, 29 May 2025
Definition of add-on
Noun
  • Yet Operation Spider's Web, orchestrated by the SBU intelligence service, was also part of a recurring theme: Ukraine keeps inventing new ways to wage war with drones, and regularly catches Russia by surprise.
    — Greg Myre, NPR, 7 June 2025
  • Staff at Nasser hospital, where six of the bodies over the last 24 hours were taken, said they were killed while on their way to get food aid.
    — Sam Mednick, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 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 10 Jun. 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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