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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
One 2024 survey of large-company employee benefit plans found that about 21% covered elective egg freezing. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026 Interested students could pursue an optional curriculum track or elective concentration in osteopathic principles, available at any accredited school rather than confined to a parallel one. — Abigail MacKenzie, STAT, 5 Aug. 2026
Noun
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 The district already offered personal finance as an elective before the statewide requirement went into effect. — P.r. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 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
  • Expect large, sunny stretches of clothing-optional beaches drawing swimmers and sun-bathers alike.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Adding a business VoIP system or any social media accounts is optional.
    — Dianna Gunn, PC Magazine, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of optional
Noun
  • Try a fabric refresher or dry wash spray on lightly worn items.
    — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Use a between-wear refresher or dry wash spray on lightly worn garments that are not actually dirty.
    — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of refresher
Noun
  • Left floating adrift are the mothers, fathers and children who are deprived of the same access and options as kids in other states.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Luckily, Amazon’s fashion section is bursting with playful options.
    — Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of option
Adjective
  • The Show-Me State is also one of 24 states that doesn’t have right-to-work laws, which is key to guarantee union membership and financial support are voluntary for workers.
    — Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Given that personal insistence, the election – in which 49 veterans of the Ukraine war were elected – is more likely to be used as evidence that Russia rewards its soldiers with plum political jobs, as a means of boosting voluntary recruitment.
    — Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of voluntary
Noun
  • But for all characters' lives altered over the course of this eventful season, no one had more of a redemptive arc than Tim Robbins' villainous IT Head, Bernard Holland.
    — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 24 Sep. 2026
  • An individual can avoid the fine entirely for the first violation by successfully completing the safety course, once one is approved.
    — Brian Bell, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of course
Noun
  • This year, the August days were filled with live podcasts and seminars, ranging from football analytics to responsible gaming.
    — Chad Millman, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Apprisen Learn More Highlights Founded in 1955, Apprisen offers budgeting workshops, debt management plans, credit counseling, housing seminars and bankruptcy education in person and online.
    — Dan Avery, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of seminar
Noun
  • The old ranch hand cut a surprisingly sprightly figure in his warehouselike clinic, bounding from room to room.
    — Kyle Paoletta, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Californians can get a flu vaccine through their health plan, health care provider, local public health clinic or federally qualified health center.
    — Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of clinic
Noun
  • The Hornets roster includes 73 new players from last season and a new head coach in Alonzo Carter, who knew this season would present a steep climb up in class.
    — Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 20 Sep. 2026
  • The proposal would also require some parents of foreign students to attend Italian language classes, part of Meloni’s push to make newcomers embrace national culture, rules and gender norms.
    — Maria Grazia Murru, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 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 26 Sep. 2026.

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