option

noun

ˈäp-shən How to pronounce option (audio)
Definition of optionnext
1
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
2
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 hotel also has a helicopter pad, so those interested in exploring the other islands by air rather than by boat have that option, too. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026 Iraola has only Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo, Rio Ngumoha, and Victor Munoz as realistic forward options, with Lewis Koumas and Federico Chiesa offering the next layer of support. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026 Its 2,800-pound payload capacity gives units another option for moving equipment and supplies. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2026 Changes in skew, which measures demand for options at various price points, have been particularly key, Murphy noted. — Justina Lee, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for option
Recent Examples of Synonyms for option
  1. accessory
  2. choice
  3. appliance
  4. alternative
  5. add-on
  6. preference
  7. way
Noun
  • There’s usually a pair of chic oversized sunnies involved too to really channel Sophia Loren, and a statement accessory or shoe, like a suite of Cartier jewels or a structured and sleek clutch.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Nylon remains important, but leather, Tegris and aluminium also feature in a range extending from smaller accessories through everyday bags to four-figure luggage.
    — Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of accessory
Noun
  • In May, The Athletic exclusively reported that Mourinho was Perez’s choice to replace Alvaro Arbeloa as manager at the end of 2025-26.
    — Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • As for metal, solid gold, whether yellow, white, or rose, remains the steadiest choice, aging with grace and holding its value across the years.
    — Pooja Mistry, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of choice
Noun
  • The kitchen is appointed with white shaker cabinets, stainless-steel appliances and granite countertops.
    — Kim Quillen, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Taking on new debt, like financing a car, furniture or appliances, can shift your DTI at the wrong time.
    — Sharon Wu, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of appliance
Noun
  • Replacing today’s one-dimensional UPC labels with two-dimensional QR-code-like alternatives could unlock some serious advantages for stores, manufacturers and consumers.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026
  • At centre-back, the first-choice pairing looks like Micky van de Ven and new arrival Jan Paul van Hecke, with Marcos Senesi and Kevin Danso as experienced alternatives.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of alternative
Noun
  • Rather than being a delightful add-on, rechargeability in a poison-snooper could save lives in non-electrified remote locations, or in disaster zones where electricity is temporarily unavailable.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Major delivery platforms are positioning autonomous aircraft as a core piece of their networks rather than an experimental add-on.
    — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of add-on
Noun
  • The Athletic reported in June that the midfielder expressed a preference to move on but bids from Nottingham Forest and Newcastle were rejected.
    — Jay Harris, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • These protective factors probably explain the correlation between household income and chatbot preference.
    — Alex Hartman, STAT, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of preference
Noun
  • Abbott has previously said data centers should not be built in rural Texas neighborhoods and that developers must pay their own way and provide their own water and power.
    — Jack Fink, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • If successful, the approach could give exploration teams another way to narrow down promising areas before bringing in drilling equipment.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of way

Browse Nearby Words

opting (for)
option
optional
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Option.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/option. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on option

Nglish: Translation of option for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about option

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