OPTIONAL Synonyms: 20 Similar and Opposite Words

optional

adjective

ˈäp-sh(ə-)nəl

Definition of optional

as in voluntary

subject to one's freedom of choice at the resort all recreational activities are optional, and you may choose to participate in none of them

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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 optional Simple, low-cost adjustments—such as walking meetings, flexible start times, or optional cameras during virtual calls—can significantly improve comfort and performance. — Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 Gentle soap is optional and usually unnecessary for regular users. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Residents are asked to bring a photo ID, proof of address, insurance information, photos of damage, and bank account information for direct deposit (optional). — Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 Solidly a medium-lift vehicle … Pallas-1 is Galactic Energy’s two-stage liquid launch vehicle, with an optional Eros upper stage for extended missions. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for optional

Recent Examples of Synonyms for optional

Adjective

The center had been a free, voluntary resource for state, local, tribal and territorial election office employees to receive the latest intelligence how bad actors are targeting election infrastructure.

— Jenna McLaughlin, NPR, 3 Sep. 2026
Yolanda Marodi previously pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in the death of an estranged partner in 2003 and served roughly a decade in prison.

— Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of voluntary

Adjective

Mayor Sam Cunningham, who has more than 23 years in elective office as a member of the City Council or mayor, said the size and response of the crowd was unprecedented for the installation of a police chief.

— Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026
Knowing whether a patient is frail or not can change a clinician’s sense of whether to act swiftly on what seems like a small problem or to reexamine whether an elective surgery is a good idea, for instance.

— Veronique Greenwood, Time, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of elective

Adjective

Cramer said that upscale customer base should also make the company more resilient if inflation and higher energy prices weigh on discretionary spending.

— Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026
Start with your seller’s discretionary earnings or EBITDA, depending on your business size, not your revenue line.

— Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of discretionary

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option

optional

optionally

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“Optional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/optional. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of optional

adjective

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