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
1
as in refresher
Related Words
2
as in option
Related Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of elective
Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026
The health system will switch some appointments from in-person to virtual settings, and reschedule some appointments and elective surgeries.
—Sacbee.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Jordan Salama, New Yorker, 30 Dec. 2025
On the cool list: their blue uniforms, advanced classes, and fun electives.
—Melanie Stetson Freeman, Christian Science Monitor, 17 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for elective
Adjective
Her preference was that ethnic studies be an elective course rather than integrated into ninth grade English.
—Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026
The health system will switch some appointments from in-person to virtual settings, and reschedule some appointments and elective surgeries.
—Sacbee.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
Lily, who always planned ahead, chose to take a psychology elective, which would strengthen her college applications.
—Jordan Salama, New Yorker, 30 Dec. 2025
On the cool list: their blue uniforms, advanced classes, and fun electives.
—Melanie Stetson Freeman, Christian Science Monitor, 17 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for elective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elective
Adjective
-
As frozen supply chains continue to expand, autonomous systems designed specifically for extreme environments may become essential rather than optional.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Using an agency, in fact, is entirely optional.—
Ava Kofman,
New Yorker,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The bar team relies on fresh produce and herbs like the Little Leaf, a zippy refresher mixed with mezcal, cucumber, cilantro, and jalapeño.—
Lizbeth Scordo,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Jan. 2026
-
At Gotcha Match, customers will find more than a dozen matcha creations alongside chai lattes, espresso, refreshers and hot tea.—
Tanasia Kenney,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
For people who like to drink a glass or two of milk a day and may have cardiovascular concerns, lower-fat dairy may be a better option.—
Madeline Holcombe,
CNN Money,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Then, as Musk has been prone to do, the former presidential adviser disregarded much of his previous explanation and said that building a civilization on Mars was still an option, just that building on the Moon is SpaceX’s current priority.—
Washington Examiner Staff,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Reservists are generally deployed for tasks in the Netherlands, but have occasionally also been sent overseas on a voluntary basis, said ministry spokesperson Meijer.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Under voluntary rules, lawn watering is limited to twice a week on a rotating schedule.—
Jenny Staletovich,
Miami Herald,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Continue reading … WAKE-UP CALL — New York Times reverses course on marijuana safety as daily users surge to 18 million.—
,
FOXNews.com,
11 Feb. 2026
-
The first steps toward a culture course correction are to create an opportunity in which everybody feels comfortable communicating with each other.—
Evan Grant,
Dallas Morning News,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
In the spring, the Sonnenalp also makes an ideal basecamp for attending the seminars, grand tastings, and indulgent winemaker dinners of Vail’s beloved food and wine festival, the Taste of Vail.—
Sarah Kuta,
Condé Nast Traveler,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Mike Norris and Mike Mladenik will be the headlines, as well as regional experts who will share their expertise during seminars included with admission.—
Melinda Moore,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The Gates Foundation and OpenAI have launched a $50 million program to bring AI capabilities to 1,000 primary health care clinics across Africa.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
6 Feb. 2026
-
The clinic’s comprehensive packages often include VIP transfers, accommodation, and multilingual assistance for all patients travelling from abroad.—
Kaitlyn Gomez,
Miami Herald,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The demonstration marked the first time an eVTOL in the five-ton class has flown from vertical takeoff to forward cruise and back to vertical landing in a single sequence.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Vinatieri was the only one in the class who was a part of the Patriots’ dynasty.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Elective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elective. Accessed 13 Feb. 2026.
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