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
The company is selling highly customizable electric vehicles that come with few standard features, but plenty of optional add-ons.
—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
1 July 2026
But that works against backward compatibility, so the hope would be at least an optional disc drive will still be sold.
—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
Although the law, signed last year, doesn’t directly target home care, experts expect many states will respond by cutting those services, which are optional under federal law.
—
Mike Hixenbaugh,
NBC news,
30 June 2026
In a second bowl, combine chicken broth, cornstarch, chicken powder, and optional sugar and white pepper if desired.
—
Candy Hom,
AJC.com,
28 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for optional
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Charles Singh,
USA Today,
1 July 2026
But that works against backward compatibility, so the hope would be at least an optional disc drive will still be sold.
—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
Although the law, signed last year, doesn’t directly target home care, experts expect many states will respond by cutting those services, which are optional under federal law.
—
Mike Hixenbaugh,
NBC news,
30 June 2026
In a second bowl, combine chicken broth, cornstarch, chicken powder, and optional sugar and white pepper if desired.
—
Candy Hom,
AJC.com,
28 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for optional
Cite this Entry
“Optional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optional. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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
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