optionnoun
uk/ˈɒp.ʃən/us/ˈɑːp.ʃən/B1 [ C or U ] one thing that can be chosen from a set of possibilities, or the freedom to make a choice:
The best option would be to cancel the trip altogether.
There are various options open to someone who is willing to work hard.
They didn't leave him much option - either he paid or they'd beat him up.
[ C ] specialized finance & economics the right to buy something in the future:
UK a share option
US a stock option
The publishers decided not to take up their option on the paperback version.
have no option (but to do something)
C1 to have to do a particular thing because there is no possibility of doing anything else:
After her appalling behaviour, we had no option but to dismiss her.
More examples
- I think we should go for the safest option.
- They're considering separation as an option.
- Whichever option we choose there'll be disadvantages.
- The committee decided in favour of the cheapest option.
- The government has few options except to keep interest rates high.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Taking and choosing
- adopt
- adopted
- adoption
- appoint
- bags I... idiom
- dip
- easy option
- either-or
- elect
- empanel
- go off with sth
- have/keep your options open idiom
- plump
- select
- selection
- selective
- selector
- self-selected
- single sb/sth out
- slate
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You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
Stock markets
Lack of freedom to act
Idiom(s)
have/keep your options open