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
The district already offered personal finance as an elective before the statewide requirement went into effect. — P.r. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 8 Apr. 2026 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 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
  • Voting is optional in New Zealand but enrollment for those eligible and living in the country is compulsory, with failure to do so punishable by a fine of 100 New Zealand dollars ($59).
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • For those who didn’t resent this labor, a nice optional touch was to add a blanket cover, obviously over the blanket.
    — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of optional
Noun
  • However, Mattingly acknowledged that the day off came at a good time for Bohm, who seems to be in need of a refresher.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
  • The drink buckets can be filled with a guest's choice of iced coffee or a refresher from Dunkin's menu.
    — Melina Khan, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of refresher
Noun
  • The administration sees the naval blockade of the strait and sanctions as effective and views Trump as having additional options that can be cranked harder in the weeks and months ahead.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Gameplay sees major defensive overhauls, smarter linebackers, and complex pre-snap options, creating a deeper, more challenging experience.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of option
Adjective
  • Mumps vaccination is voluntary and given with a separate standalone vaccine that parents pay for.
    — Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The Savannah department said it was made aware of the misuse through Flock’s voluntary audit function.
    — Sarah Rankin, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of voluntary
Noun
  • And the university, which declined an interview request about the new program, is not the first to offer content creation courses.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Students will encounter larger classes, fewer course offerings and a more transient instructional workforce.
    — Francisco Ruiz, Chicago Tribune, 14 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
  • When making the appointment, Zordani said, he'd been told the clinic was in his insurer's network.
    — Julie Appleby, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Patients often worry that the process will be daunting, Hosseinzadeh said, but clinics offer support throughout.
    — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 11 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 14 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on elective

Nglish: Translation of elective for Spanish Speakers

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