optional

[ op-shuh-nl ]

/ ˈɒp ʃə nl /

SEE SYNONYMS FOR optional ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

left to one's choice; not required or mandatory: Formal dress is optional.

leaving something to choice.

Origin of optional

First recorded in 1755–65; option + -al¹

SYNONYMS FOR optional

1 discretional, elective, voluntary.

SEE SYNONYMS FOR optional ON THESAURUS.COM

OTHER WORDS FROM optional

op·tion·al·i·ty, noun op·tion·al·ly, adverb non·op·tion·al, adjective non·op·tion·al·ly, adverb

un·op·tion·al, adjective un·op·tion·al·ly, adverb

Words nearby optional

optimum, optimum dose, optimum population, option, option money, optional, optionee, opto-, optoelectronics, optokinetic, optometer

Example sentences from the Web for optional

Sure, taking sexy pictures—like having sex itself—is, technically speaking, optional.

In Defense of Nude Selfies: Don’t Shame ‘The Fappening’ Victims |Amanda Marcotte |September 23, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
Van Zant was echoing a growing sentiment of paranoia and fear sparked by the optional public education standards program.

Fringe Factor: The Common Core Will Turn Your Kids as Gay as Possible |Caitlin Dickson |May 25, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
When I ask why she wears a veil in a society where it's optional, Sakdiyah explains how it frees her.

Young Muslim Comic Takes On Fundamentalists |Moral Courage |May 19, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
Then you may be delighted to learn that the essay portion of the SAT is now optional.

Insufferable Elitism of the SATs |James Poulos |March 8, 2014 |DAILY BEAST

It comes with matching headband, optional sleeve panels and petticoat.

'Fairytale' Diana Dress Makes $140,000 At Auction |Tom Sykes |December 4, 2013 |DAILY BEAST
After you have made this call, it is, to some extent, optional with you as to what further attentions you shall pay the party.

Martine's Hand-book of Etiquette, and Guide to True Politeness |Arthur Martine
It should be imperative (not optional, as at present) for every vessel to carry a certain number of lifebelts.

Saved by the Lifeboat |R.M. Ballantyne
The dimensions are optional, but boxes about two feet long, one foot wide, and five inches deep answer admirably.

The Culture of Vegetables and Flowers From Seeds and Roots, 16th Edition |Sutton and Sons
This last is the optional rule of the American Episcopal Church.

Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 6 |Various
At this time primary education was optional, given in private schools, aided in some cases by provincial grants.

The Tribune of Nova Scotia |W. L. (William Lawson) Grant

British Dictionary definitions for optional

optional

/ (ˈɒpʃənəl) /

adjective

possible but not compulsory; left to personal choice

Derived forms of optional

optionally, adverb

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Learning

optional

adjective

Origin of optional

SYNONYMS FOR optional

OTHER WORDS FROM optional

Words nearby optional

Example sentences from the Web for optional

British Dictionary definitions for optional

adjective

Derived forms of optional

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Learning

optional

adjective

Origin of optional

SYNONYMS FOR optional

OTHER WORDS FROM optional

Words nearby optional

Words related to optional

Example sentences from the Web for optional

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adjective

Derived forms of optional

British Dictionary definitions for optional