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 The result is a strategy that includes mandatory cuts of 27% to Arizona's Colorado River supplies each year through 2028, with an option for steeper cuts after that. — Alex Hager, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026 Under the legal framework, casualties are expected, since a non-lethal option is not considered possible, the sources said. — Laura Romero, ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026 However, many organisms do not have the option to move through open spaces. — K. R. Prathyusha, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026 Lawmakers are anxious to avoid the possibility of a shutdown as voters weigh their options going into November. — Kevin Freking, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for option
Recent Examples of Synonyms for option
  1. accessory
  2. choice
  3. appliance
  4. alternative
  5. add-on
  6. preference
  7. way
Noun
  • There’s no shortage of great accessories on the table, either.
    — Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Handmade accessories and nature-inspired looks fit comfortably into the grounds, especially when shoes have picked up a little dust and the original outfit plan has been revised by several hours outdoors.
    — Svetlana Khachiyan, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of accessory
Noun
  • Nick Pope is also still on Tyneside, even though he has been relegated to third-choice goalkeeper and was made available.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • That choice could help Antares avoid developing every component specifically for nuclear use.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of choice
Noun
  • Nearby, the kitchen is outfitted with a large island, a marble backsplash, and high-end, stainless-steel appliances.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The Sense app provides real-time data on electricity usage for individual appliances, helping users identify ways to save money.
    — Alex Kuffner, The Providence Journal, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of appliance
Noun
  • The trousers give me an alternative to jeans that still feels easy to style.
    — Kaitlin Marks, Travel + Leisure, 1 Sep. 2026
  • For morning rush-hour commuters in Broward heading toward the Golden Glades Interchange and beyond, the best alternative is to take Florida’s Turnpike or State Road 7.
    — Miami Herald Staff, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of alternative
Noun
  • Universal Studios will sell front-of-the-line access as an add-on to a daily ticket — but not yet.
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Current options range from add-on urine analyzers under $100 to premium fixtures costing thousands.
    — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of add-on
Noun
  • Interestingly, Fernandez-Pardo was revered by Howe and would have been Newcastle’s principal target in May, though his initial preference was for Champions League football.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Bonnell appears to be treating software as another part of the motorcycle's suspension system and something that can be adjusted to suit the rider’s preferences, skill, and terrain.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of preference
Noun
  • While spoken language might benefit us in myriad ways, no single activity requires it, let alone explains what triggered its ongoing evolution over tens to hundreds of thousands of years.
    — Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
  • For nearly two additional years, all the way to a six-hour cut of the movie that went deep on Musk’s 2025 DOGE era and his SpaceX IPO plate-spin this summer.
    — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026
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 4 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on option

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about option

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