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

Heaton experienced this firsthand following her elective double mastectomy. — Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026 This year, a Homeland Security shutdown created hours-long security lines; an elective war with Iran spiked the cost of fuel and ticket prices. — Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026

Noun

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 Her top priorities include refining the Pathways program to ensure students can access electives, like orchestra, and providing additional support to educators, specifically special education teachers. — Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 28 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for elective

Recent Examples of Synonyms for elective

Adjective

That includes carbon-ceramic brakes, standard Magnetic Ride Control suspension, and even optional carbon fiber wheels, all wrapped by the widebody shape that gives the Grand Sport and Grand Sport X a more aggressive look than the base Stingray.

— Tim Stevens, ArsTechnica, 4 Aug. 2026
The 1996 regulations also allowed a person’s gender to be considered in setting auto premiums, but former Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones eliminated it as an optional ratings factor in 2019.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of optional

Noun

Although denim can be quite rigid for travel or long in-office days, Quince’s options happen to be uniquely stretchy and soft, with premium construction that rivals brands triple the price.

— Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 4 Aug. 2026
Surprises keep coming with off-menu options, where plates combine a local touch with seasonal products.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of option

Noun

Bert McCarty, a Clemson University professor of turfgrass science and management, said golfers like how top courses are so different — from incorporating the ocean in places near beaches to relying on inclines in the mountains.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
Students at Sacramento New Technology Early College High School are required to take college courses before earning their high school diploma, a model school leaders say is unique in California.

— James Taylor, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of course

Noun

The unrelated minor, the cross-listed seminar, the summer spent on a research project outside a student’s major often foster the very adaptability, range, and connective thinking that employers want.

— Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
This week offers you a mini growth spurt or glow up of sorts, culminating in a Venus-Uranus trine on August 11 that may delight you with an unexpectedly good time in a foreign land or philosophy seminar.

— Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 July 2026

Definition of seminar

Noun

Employees also enjoy such benefits as preventative medical care and an on-site clinic at Progressive’s headquarters in Mayfield Village, Ohio.

— Haniya Rae, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Another camper introduced her family to a pain clinic at the Cleveland Clinic that was life-changing.

— Rachel Hale, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of clinic

Noun

However, the game faces criticism for keeping legends locked to Ultimate Team and the continued absence of draft class imports from EA College Football.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Over the last month in state and federal courts across the country, athletes who are from the high school graduating class of 2022 have sued the NCAA over the same basic issue.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of class

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elections

elective

electively

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Style

“Elective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elective. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of elective

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

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