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
Tornado Cash is comprised of immutable smart contracts and an optional user interface with enhanced privacy features, which the DOJ claims the developers controlled.
—
Andrea Tinianow, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Garnish with parsley and cracked black pepper, optional.
—Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025
The other three graduated and were on optional practical training (OPT).
—Ashley Mahoney, Axios, 9 Apr. 2025
An optional What’s Hot algorithmic feed collected content that was popular across the platform.
—Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 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.
Andrea Tinianow, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Garnish with parsley and cracked black pepper, optional.
—Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025
The other three graduated and were on optional practical training (OPT).
—Ashley Mahoney, Axios, 9 Apr. 2025
An optional What’s Hot algorithmic feed collected content that was popular across the platform.
—Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for optional
Cite this Entry
“Optional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optional. Accessed 15 Apr. 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