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

Thanks to Hegseth, military aviators have learned that rules are optional as long as top leadership thinks your stunt looked cool.

— Brynn Tannehill, The Atlantic, 21 July 2026
Northwestern ranks rigor, class rank, and GPA among its most important factors and counts standardized tests as merely considered under its test-optional policy.

— Jamie Beaton, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of optional

Noun

For fans who’ve never watched a Banana Ball game — or just need a refresher — the Statesman teamed up with Vavasis to explain what fans should expect on The Blue.

— Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 27 July 2026
Looming over the results is the impact that elevated gas prices had on consumers’ willingness to buy coffee, tea, and energy refreshers away from home.

— Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 26 July 2026

Definition of refresher

Noun

Jordan Dwyer will be leaned on to replace Eric McAlister as the go-to option after posting 730 yards and seven touchdowns in his debut season.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 July 2026
While some of the options flows are getting more balanced between bulls and bears, the biggest single SpaceX trades of the day on Monday were neutral to bullish.

— Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 28 July 2026

Definition of option

Noun

Data from the Learning Policy Institute shows students who perform poorly in math in middle school rarely suddenly improve in high school, since foundational understanding of mathematics is built in lower level middle school courses.

— Samuel O’Neal July 31, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026
Throughout the course of their investigation, investigators were led to an address in Nelson, Missouri, which lies between Kansas City and Columbia.

— Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 31 July 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

The clinics are stocked with medical supplies and generators to help restore healthcare in communities devastated by the earthquakes.

— Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2026
In December, the affiliate launched new health care offerings at some clinics, including in the Bay Area.

— Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 21 July 2026

Definition of clinic

Noun

Those policies include improving health care access, fully funding public education and empowering the working class through affordable housing and food programs.

— Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
Guests can spend the day at one of three oceanfront pools, unwind on the hotel’s private stretch of beach, or join the rotating lineup of activities, from live music and fitness classes to astrology nights, so there’s always something happening.

— Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 25 July 2026

Definition of class

Browse Nearby Words

elections

elective

electively

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Style

“Elective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elective. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of elective

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

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