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

Relevance

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 But apart from price and screen size options, what separates these two tablets? —PCMAG, 5 Mar. 2025 One option for the single family homes will start in the high $300,000s and another will start in the low $400,000s. —Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 5 Mar. 2025 For this reason, chicken may be a better animal protein option for managing cholesterol. —Johna Burdeos, Health, 5 Mar. 2025 Buk Clinic Another leading option located in Istanbul, Buk Clinic provides patients with exceptional care through minimally invasive techniques. —Ethan Stone, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2025 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
  • At checkout, customers are presented with relevant accessories and complementary items that align with their specific cycling interests.
    — Antony Robinson, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
  • As for her accessories, the Duchess of Sussex wore her Cartier yellow gold Tank Française watch, which previously belonged to the late Princess Diana, as well as a yellow gold bangle.
    — Julia Teti, WWD, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of accessory
Noun
  • Zoe and Mio set off on an epic adventure in which each level alternates between their genre of choice, searching for glitches that can take Rader down for good.
    — Katcy Stephan, Variety, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Although that stretch of Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré has been plagued by disruptions, due to its proximity to the Élysée presidential palace, the designer is confident in her choice.
    — Joelle Diderich, WWD, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of choice
Noun
  • If time permits, lock your home upon departure and disconnect utilities and appliances.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 2 Mar. 2025
  • At a news conference, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza said the initial examination by the medical examiner showed no sign of carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas produced from kitchen appliances and other fuel-burning items.
    — SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN, arkansasonline.com, 2 Mar. 2025
Definition of appliance
Noun
  • Social media has contributed greatly to the demand for healthier alternatives.
    — Seth Lederman, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
  • On the other hand, brightening alternatives like chemical exfoliants (think salicylic acid, glycolic acid) are great at sloughing off the top layer of your skin to reveal a fresh layer underneath.
    — Jenna Ryu, SELF, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of alternative
Noun
  • Some see the proliferation of add-on services as a cash grab, since tests like PGT-A are rarely covered by insurance and can cost thousands of dollars out of pocket.
    — Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Since that meeting, Diana Ross, Lynyrd Skynyrd and others have announced arena dates that include the levy as an add-on to the ticket price.
    — Mark Sutherland, Variety, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of add-on
Noun
  • This preference is more popular amongst Millennials (67%) compared to Boomers (37%).
    — Gary Drenik, Forbes, 10 Feb. 2023
  • That preference was on display in August last year, when the KMT’s Hsia visited China amid lingering tensions over Pelosi’s visit.
    — Bloomberg.com, Bloomberg.com, 7 Feb. 2023
Definition of preference
Noun
  • If all goes according to plan, Super Heavy will nestle into the launch tower's inviting arms once again, and Ship will fly much of the way around Earth before making a soft splashdown in the Indian Ocean off Western Australia.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Cincinnati must now find a way to keep all three players happy.
    — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 3 Mar. 2025
Definition of way

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Cite this Entry

“Option.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/option. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on option

Nglish: Translation of option for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about option

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