ELECTIVE Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

elective 1 of 2

adjective

i-ˈlek-tiv

Definition of elective

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

as in refresher

Related Words

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

But during his junior year, in 2019, Best enrolled in his first acting class to fill an elective requirement. — Maggie Turner, Air Mail, 31 Oct. 2026 The elective program involves reimbursements of certain development costs, as well as code relief for projects that meet certain eligibility standards, said senior planner Ben Rhoads. — Marc Hayot, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 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 See All Example Sentences for elective

Recent Examples of Synonyms for elective

Adjective

Shoppers can choose among Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm options, all of which can accommodate an optional GlacioTex cooling pillow-top upgrade for additional cushioning and temperature regulation.

— Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2026
The three optional shapes of the design shifted along the frequency range without needing complicated moving parts to do so.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of optional

Noun

The water and stain spray protects leather uppers and straps; the cleaner and refresher solution is a non-aerosol spray that cleans the footbed; and the cork sealer waterproofs the cork sole and protects it from drying out and becoming brittle.

— Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Oct. 2026
Fans who’ve followed this story from day one would probably still welcome a refresher.

— Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of refresher

Noun

Kurtz also pointed to declines in cities like San Francisco, which is moving to support more sober-living options, housing that bans drugs and alcohol.

— Jennifer Ludden, NPR, 8 Nov. 2026
Treatments include facials and body treatments from 111Skin, myBlend and Dr Burgener, plus the option to book a private spa suite or saline bath.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of option

Adjective

Those voluntary licenses cover a specific set of countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and Latin America.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
Even a mandate as simple as removing racist or demeaning school mascots has depended more on districts’ voluntary compliance than force.

— David Bloomfield, New York Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of voluntary

Noun

But in the 1960s, the expansion started reversing course, according to a study published in the journal Science.

— Devika Rao, TheWeek, 6 Nov. 2026
Under 1% leave during the rigorous six-month SEAL Qualification Training course, which is the final leg of the pipeline before they are assigned to a SEAL team.

— James LaPorta, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of course

Noun

Boden told The Hollywood Reporter, talking the day after his keynote speech at the annual Motion Picture Association (MPA) seminar at Tokyo International Film Festival.

— Gavin J Blair, HollywoodReporter, 2 Nov. 2026
The Proof Again, Huang began sending out e-mails—more than 40 in 2023—and gave a circuit of seminar talks.

— Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of seminar

Noun

This initiative would require certain private nonprofit healthcare clinics to spend at least 90% of their annual total revenue on patient services.

— Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026
After tracing the same woodland route that Kino used to enjoy with her father, Kai books an appointment and heads to the remote clinic—housed right within the girls’ old family home.

— James Marsh, Variety, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of clinic

Noun

In 2023, authorities interrupted a Sunday church class to warn Gu and Cui that their church had become too large, Gu said.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 Nov. 2026
Jewish students should be able to attend class, enter campus buildings, and participate in student organizations without ancestry- or faith-based discrimination.

— Ilya Shapiro, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of class

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

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Synonyms of elective

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

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