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
No, no, Moss opted for carting around a luxurious black Hermès Birkin bag, complete with gold hardware (to match the jewels, of course). — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 5 Aug. 2026 The legislature and governor opted for five years — and indexing, albeit one more sensitive to wage increases, not consumer prices. — Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 5 Aug. 2026 Privacy Bee’s analysis team has reviewed many hundreds of data broker sites and developed highly detailed guides for handling your opt-out requests. — Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 5 Aug. 2026 The vote was decided, with 77% of voters opting to require elections. — Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 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

See All Rhymes for opt

Browse Nearby Words

-opsy
opt
optable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Opt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opt. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

opt

verb
ˈäpt
: to make a choice

Medical Definition

opt

abbreviation
optician

More from Merriam-Webster on opt

Nglish: Translation of opt for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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