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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of optional
The rear bed measures 72 x 55 in (183 x 140 cm) as standard, and an optional center cushion boosts it up to an asymmetrical 72 x 66 inches (183 x 168 cm).
—
New Atlas, 10 Mar. 2025
As consumer expectations evolve and competition intensifies, carving out a clear niche is no longer optional.
—Sneha Lundia, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
Five en-suite bedrooms, including a main-level executive office or optional fourth bedroom, provide ultimate privacy and convenience.
—Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2025
Many small businesses rely on key employees—often foreign students on optional practical training (OPT)—who may not secure an H-1B visa, disrupting business operations and innovation.
—Sweta Khandelwal, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for optional
New Atlas, 10 Mar. 2025
As consumer expectations evolve and competition intensifies, carving out a clear niche is no longer optional.
—Sneha Lundia, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
Five en-suite bedrooms, including a main-level executive office or optional fourth bedroom, provide ultimate privacy and convenience.
—Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2025
Many small businesses rely on key employees—often foreign students on optional practical training (OPT)—who may not secure an H-1B visa, disrupting business operations and innovation.
—Sweta Khandelwal, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for optional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for optional
Adjective
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What's Being Recalled And Why The voluntary recall was initiated by Cabot’s parent company, Agri-Mark, Inc., on March 26, 2025, after internal testing detected elevated levels of coliform bacteria.—
Stephanie Gravalese,
Forbes.com,
10 Apr. 2025
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In the letter, DeJoy told lawmakers that the agency plans to cut 10,000 employees through voluntary early retirement efforts.—
Filip Timotija,
The Hill,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Patients will also be able to undergo elective surgeries, diagnostic imaging and receive cardiology, urology and other specialty care at the hospital.—
Michelle Marchante,
Miami Herald,
3 Apr. 2025
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Some have speculated that a future consumer market for BCI would resemble LASIK eye surgery or cosmetic procedures: serious but routine, completed as an elective outpatient procedure and covered by insurance.—
Naveen Rao,
Forbes.com,
2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Individuals who need help controlling discretionary spending.—
Andrew Rosen,
Forbes.com,
17 Apr. 2025
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Many businesses and consumers will cut discretionary spending during hard times, so position yourself accordingly. 6.—
Sam Dogen, Contributor,
CNBC,
17 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Optional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/optional. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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