optverb [ I ]
uk/ɒpt/us/ɑːpt/C1 to make a choice, especially of one thing or possibility instead of others:
Mike opted for early retirement.
[ + to infinitive ] Most people opt to have the operation.
More examples
- Many students opt for business studies simply because it sounds like a passport to a good job.
- During the recession, the government opted for a policy of pay/wage restraint rather than a reduction in public investment.
- Instead of paying in one lump sum, he opted to pay in monthly instalments.
- Many commuters are opting to cycle to work.
- Both boys opted for the Navy when they left school.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Taking and choosing
- accord
- adopt
- adopted
- adoption
- appoint
- bags I... idiom
- dip
- easy option
- either-or
- elect
- empanel
- go off with sth
- have/keep your options open idiom
- selection
- selective
- selector
- self-selected
- single sb/sth out
- skim sb/sth off
- slate
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Phrasal verb(s)
opt in
opt out