opt

1 of 2

verb

ˈäpt How to pronounce opt (audio)
opted; opting; opts
Synonyms of optnext

intransitive verb

: to make a choice
especially : to decide in favor of something
… opted for a tax increase … —Tom Wicker
After perusing the menu he opted for the prime rib.

opt

2 of 2

abbreviation

1
optical; optician; optics
2
option; optional

Synonyms of opt

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Verb

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Examples of opt in a Sentence

Verb after that near catastrophe, they opted to reinstate the telephone service
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Verb
The news about Guimaraes wanting to leave was followed almost immediately by Johan Manzambi, Newcastle’s top target across all positions, opting for Aston Villa at the final moment. — George Caulkin, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026 Fertitta would later hint at concerns when describing to a local radio station why Houston opted against hiring the Alabama offensive coordinator. — John Talty, Vanity Fair, 2 Sep. 2026 Allgood is among a rising crop of married women opting to travel solo or with friends, leaving spouses at home to embrace adventure. — Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026 With more teams opting for those non-skill-position players, RB and WR value can really start to emerge. — Jonathan Rubin, Charlotte Observer, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for opt

Word History

Etymology

Verb

French opter, from Latin optare

First Known Use

Verb

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of opt was in 1853

Phrases Containing opt

Rhymes for opt

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Browse Nearby Words

-opsy
opt
optable
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Cite this Entry

“Opt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opt. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

opt

verb
ˈäpt
: to make a choice

Medical Definition

opt

abbreviation
optician
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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