elective 1 of 2

adjective

i-ˈlek-tiv How to pronounce elective (audio)
Definition of electivenext
as in optional
subject to one's freedom of choice a plastic surgeon who mainly does face-lifting and other kinds of elective surgery

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

elective

2 of 2

noun

1
as in refresher

Related Words
2
as in option

Related Words

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 elective
Adjective
What Miami patients should keep in mind A hair transplant is still elective surgery, and the basics of doing homework apply. — Gretchen Wittenmyer-Stone, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026 Heaton experienced this firsthand following her elective double mastectomy. — Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
Noun
Twin Peaks and Meadowbrook are the only two schools that implemented bell schedules that allow students to take more than one elective per year. — Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026 Her top priorities include refining the Pathways program to ensure students can access electives, like orchestra, and providing additional support to educators, specifically special education teachers. — Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 28 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for elective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elective
  1. optional
  2. refresher
  3. option
  4. voluntary
  5. course
  6. seminar
  7. clinic
  8. class
Adjective
  • That includes carbon-ceramic brakes, standard Magnetic Ride Control suspension, and even optional carbon fiber wheels, all wrapped by the widebody shape that gives the Grand Sport and Grand Sport X a more aggressive look than the base Stingray.
    — Tim Stevens, ArsTechnica, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The 1996 regulations also allowed a person’s gender to be considered in setting auto premiums, but former Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones eliminated it as an optional ratings factor in 2019.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of optional
Noun
  • First and foremost, the morning refresher on the field and the morning line.
    — Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • In addition to coffee, the company serves refreshers, lemonade, iced tea, smoothies, shakes, hot cocoa and sparkling soda.
    — Saleen Martin, USA Today, 31 July 2026
Definition of refresher
Noun
  • Although denim can be quite rigid for travel or long in-office days, Quince’s options happen to be uniquely stretchy and soft, with premium construction that rivals brands triple the price.
    — Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Surprises keep coming with off-menu options, where plates combine a local touch with seasonal products.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of option
Adjective
  • Open models will be excluded from the voluntary pre-release review, at least for now.
    — Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Initially, deaths caused by vehicle collisions could simply be prosecuted as voluntary or involuntary manslaughter.
    — Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of voluntary
Noun
  • Bert McCarty, a Clemson University professor of turfgrass science and management, said golfers like how top courses are so different — from incorporating the ocean in places near beaches to relying on inclines in the mountains.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Students at Sacramento New Technology Early College High School are required to take college courses before earning their high school diploma, a model school leaders say is unique in California.
    — James Taylor, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of course
Noun
  • DeForde's organization works to convince doctors and nurses to treat people with addiction, conducting online training and in-person seminars.
    — Brian Mann, NPR, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Back on the home front, Nora heads to a mental-health seminar headed up by her old boss, Ed George.
    — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of seminar
Noun
  • Employees also enjoy such benefits as preventative medical care and an on-site clinic at Progressive’s headquarters in Mayfield Village, Ohio.
    — Haniya Rae, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Another camper introduced her family to a pain clinic at the Cleveland Clinic that was life-changing.
    — Rachel Hale, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of clinic
Noun
  • Modi’s early life Modi’s story begins in the city of Palanpur, nestled in India’s western Gujarat state and known as the ancestral home of the country’s diamond merchant class.
    — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Start the conversation, suggest the class, or invite someone into a plan that expands the room.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of class

Browse Nearby Words

elections
elective
electively
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Cite this Entry

“Elective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elective. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of elective for Spanish Speakers

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