Synonyms of elective

elective 1 of 2

adjective

i-ˈlek-tiv 

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

• optional
• voluntary
• discretionary
• alternative
• unnecessary
• chosen
• alternate
• unwanted
• unneeded
• dispensable

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• compulsory
• mandatory
• required
• obligatory
• nonelective
• necessary
• essential
• nonvoluntary
• requisite
• indispensable

elective

2 of 2

noun

1

as in refresher

Related Words

• refresher
• course
• seminar
• clinic
• class
• institute
• curriculum
• survey course
• minicourse
• core

2

as in option

Related Words

• option
• favorite
• designation
• appointment
• candidate
• nomination
• liking
• preference
• appointee
• nominee
• selection
• choice
• chosen
• like
• bet
• pick
• preselection
• selectee

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of elective

Adjective

Mayor Sam Cunningham, who has more than 23 years in elective office as a member of the City Council or mayor, said the size and response of the crowd was unprecedented for the installation of a police chief. — Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026

Knowing whether a patient is frail or not can change a clinician’s sense of whether to act swiftly on what seems like a small problem or to reexamine whether an elective surgery is a good idea, for instance. — Veronique Greenwood, Time, 17 Aug. 2026

Noun

From those earliest days, the monks confronted the end-of-the-year syndrome pragmatically, replacing regular classroom instruction with out-of-classroom electives. — Anthony Depalma, Mercury News, 22 May 2026

In that reunion outside the hospital, Robby shows interest in whether or not Mohan had any luck picking an elective. — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 16 Apr. 2026