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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 optional The bottom edge has two small attachment points for accessories, such as Samsung’s optional keyboard cover. — Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2026 Watch for policy proposals that would cover professional home assessments for adults over a certain age, which would shift aging in place preparation from optional to routine. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2026 Many opponents of Housing First policies don't think services including addiction and mental health treatment should be optional. — ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026 The high-end price point and Old World vibe attract an older generation of guests, many of whom can be spotted toting designer handbags (Yorkshire Terrier optional). — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for optional

Recent Examples of Synonyms for optional

Adjective

The Seal is voluntary and requires manufacturers to apply and submit evidence supporting their claims.

— Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2026
In reality, the president and the tech leaders signed a voluntary accord that allows the companies to police themselves.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of voluntary

Adjective

When the documentary team spoke with her family, her sister Hilda Harp said that Randolph convinced Frances to have an elective heart surgery that her doctors had recommended.

— CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2026
This includes elective deferrals, employer matching and nonelective contributions and allocations of forfeitures.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of elective

Adjective

That combination would reduce discretionary spending while businesses lose pricing power and their hiring appetite diminishes.

— Harvey Stober, CNBC, 4 Oct. 2026
Meanwhile, in England and the United States and across continental Europe, statutes that punished idleness sharpened into vagrancy laws that gave police discretionary power to identify when a form of nonaction constituted criminal disorder.

— Sophie Landres, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of discretionary

Browse Nearby Words

option

optional

optionally

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Optional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/optional. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of optional

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

inscrutable

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes