elective 1 of 2

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

elective

2 of 2

noun

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
The two courses are not AP classes, Purcell said, but rather one-semester social studies electives available to students in grades 10-12. Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025 Operational adjustments may include replacing some electives with credential-earning courses or making Physical Education an after-school activity, freeing up resources for credentialing efforts. Scott White, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
Drinan served for 10 years before Pope John Paul II demanded that all priests withdraw from elective politics. Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 15 May 2025 No longer in majority elective power in Washington, climate extremists are clearly trying every trick in the book to undercut America’s dominance, while attempting a mammoth money grab. Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for elective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elective
Adjective
  • Media partners see revenue shares ranging from 35 to 55 percent, along with optional setup fees and GDPR-compliant privacy protections.
    Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • Diners can also add on an optional wine pairing for an additional fee.
    NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • As a refresher, too much exposure to the sun's rays can result in long-lasting damage, leading to concerns like sun spots, skin sagging, fine lines and wrinkles, and so on.
    Sarah Han, Allure, 11 June 2025
  • To make ordering worthwhile, get dad a few bottles and a measured chemist’s glass to dispense said refresher from his own bar.
    SAVEUR Editors, Saveur, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • Luckily, so many great options just went on sale for the fourth of July, with brands like Sam Edelman, Steve Madden, and Tommy Hilifger coming in at new-low prices.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2025
  • If finding indoor shelter is not an option: Steer clear of open fields, hilltops, or ridge tops.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Such findings have almost always been resolved through voluntary resolutions between schools and the federal government.
    Jim Edwards, Fortune, 1 July 2025
  • To that end, the feds can often compel witnesses to talk and share evidence (in contrast, the NBA relies on the voluntary cooperation of people outside the league).
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 29 June 2025
Noun
  • There’s a token human story, all about how Gemme redeems herself and also, of course, about the fate of Cady (Violet McGraw), who was M3GAN’s bestie in the first film.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 25 June 2025
  • Barring a completely unforeseen change of course, Flagg will be drafted by the Dallas Mavericks with the No. 1 overall pick.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • It will be used in all of the university’s first-year seminars and will be accompanied by panel discussions, workshops and additional engagement opportunities throughout the year.
    Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Any Connecticut organization, business, non-profit or municipality, interested in hosting a Narcan seminar, can give us a call.
    Raj Dodani, Hartford Courant, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • The Senate Parliamentarian upheld a provision in the bill prohibiting Medicaid funds from being used to reimburse health clinics that also provide elective abortions, saying that the measure was compliant with the Byrd Rule, which restricts what can be included in a budget reconciliation bill.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 1 July 2025
  • Between April 2021 and July 2023, prosecutors say that Ali struck agreements with at least 41 substance abuse clinics in Arizona, including two identified in court papers as TUSA and CHWC.
    Ryan Lucas, NPR, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • Grant is quick to acknowledge how his own behavior as a customer was reformed by his temporary fall from the laptop class.
    Casey Cep, New Yorker, 28 June 2025
  • At the top of that class is the Flower Pot Fountain, which sends leaf- or flower-like clusters of sparks sprouting in different directions.
    Ethan Wolin, Sacbee.com, 28 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Elective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elective. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on elective

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!