OPTION Synonyms: 81 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

option

noun

ˈäp-shən

Definition of option

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

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 The result is a strategy that includes mandatory cuts of 27% to Arizona's Colorado River supplies each year through 2028, with an option for steeper cuts after that. — Alex Hager, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026 Under the legal framework, casualties are expected, since a non-lethal option is not considered possible, the sources said. — Laura Romero, ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026 However, many organisms do not have the option to move through open spaces. — K. R. Prathyusha, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026 Lawmakers are anxious to avoid the possibility of a shutdown as voters weigh their options going into November. — Kevin Freking, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for option

Recent Examples of Synonyms for option

Noun

There’s no shortage of great accessories on the table, either.

— Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
Handmade accessories and nature-inspired looks fit comfortably into the grounds, especially when shoes have picked up a little dust and the original outfit plan has been revised by several hours outdoors.

— Svetlana Khachiyan, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of accessory

Noun

Bonfig said the company remains confident in the health of the consumer and is well-positioned in categories including TV, appliances and phones.

— Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
Coverage can be particularly helpful for short-term rentals, where systems and appliances see heavy use.

— Alora Bopray, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of appliance

Noun

The trousers give me an alternative to jeans that still feels easy to style.

— Kaitlin Marks, Travel + Leisure, 1 Sep. 2026
For morning rush-hour commuters in Broward heading toward the Golden Glades Interchange and beyond, the best alternative is to take Florida’s Turnpike or State Road 7.

— Miami Herald Staff, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of alternative

Noun

For this report, GlobalData also conducted a January-February 2026 survey of 3,268 American adults, asking specific questions about their behaviors and preferences for secondhand.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026
Kids arrive at stores with opinions already shaped by group chats, AI tools and social feeds, and preferences can flip quickly once the season is underway.

— Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of preference

Noun

But even as the culture seems fairly concerned with the way famous women look, and the impact these images have on young girls and teenagers, the conversation around men and their body image has been lean.

— José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 27 Aug. 2026
Much of rising demand reflects a shift in the way AI systems are consuming AI compute, particularly as the use of agentic AI becomes more widespread, Huang explained.

— Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of way

Browse Nearby Words

opting (for)

option

optional

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Option.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/option. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of option

noun

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Synonyms of option

noun

Synonym Chooser

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Articles Related to option

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