Another Word for Option – Meaning, Synonyms, and Examples
The word option is commonly used, referring to a choice or alternative that is available. To make your English more varied and specific, learning another word for option will help. Using synonyms allows you to specify whether you mean a choice, an alternative, or a possibility.
What is Another Word for Option?
A great synonym for option is alternative. Option means a thing that is chosen or done over others; a choice. Alternative means one of two or more available possibilities. Both words clearly refer to one of several available selections. Learning words like alternative helps you emphasize the contrast between the choices available.
Meaning of “Option”
Option means a thing that is or may be chosen; a choice. In finance, it means the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell something at a specified price.
We use it for choices (you have the option to stay or leave), possibilities (a viable option), or finance (option trading).
Synonyms for “Option”
Here are some common ways to say option:
- Alternative: One of two or more available possibilities. (A strong alternative emphasizing contrast between choices.)
- Choice: An act of selecting or making a decision when faced with two or more possibilities. (A simple and direct synonym.)
- Possibility: A thing that may happen or be the case. (Used when emphasizing potential or viability.)
- Selection: The action or fact of carefully choosing someone or something as being the best or most suitable. (Used when emphasizing a considered choice.)
- Recourse: A source of help in a difficult situation. (Used when emphasizing a backup or last resort.)
Example Sentences
- When the first plan failed, they quickly moved to their backup alternative.
- I left the final choice of restaurant up to my friends.
- A third possibility is that the package was simply delayed by the weather.
- The careful selection of raw materials ensures the quality of the final product.
- Without sufficient savings, borrowing money was their only recourse.
Mini Dialogue
Sam: “What is the best option for shipping this package overseas?”
Mia: “You have two main alternatives: express or standard delivery. The final choice is yours.”
Sam: “I guess express is the only viable possibility given the deadline.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Don’t use Recourse when you mean a simple choice. Recourse specifically implies a need for help or a fallback.
✅ Do use Alternative or Choice when presenting a selection of equal possibilities.
Let’s Practice!
Which synonym best fits this sentence? “Faced with the failing market, the struggling business had no __________ but to file for bankruptcy.” (Answer: Recourse – This synonym works best because it refers specifically to a final source of help or action in a desperate situation.)
Practice Tip
Use alternative or choice instead of “option” in your next presentation to sound more varied.
Final Note
Knowing what is another word for option and practicing synonyms like alternative and choice will help you describe available selections clearly.
