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

But during his junior year, in 2019, Best enrolled in his first acting class to fill an elective requirement. — Maggie Turner, Air Mail, 31 Oct. 2026 The elective program involves reimbursements of certain development costs, as well as code relief for projects that meet certain eligibility standards, said senior planner Ben Rhoads. — Marc Hayot, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026

Noun

From those earliest days, the monks confronted the end-of-the-year syndrome pragmatically, replacing regular classroom instruction with out-of-classroom electives. — Anthony Depalma, Mercury News, 22 May 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for elective

Recent Examples of Synonyms for elective

Adjective

Shoppers can choose among Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm options, all of which can accommodate an optional GlacioTex cooling pillow-top upgrade for additional cushioning and temperature regulation.

— Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2026
The three optional shapes of the design shifted along the frequency range without needing complicated moving parts to do so.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of optional

Noun

The water and stain spray protects leather uppers and straps; the cleaner and refresher solution is a non-aerosol spray that cleans the footbed; and the cork sealer waterproofs the cork sole and protects it from drying out and becoming brittle.

— Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Oct. 2026
Fans who’ve followed this story from day one would probably still welcome a refresher.

— Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of refresher

Noun

Kurtz also pointed to declines in cities like San Francisco, which is moving to support more sober-living options, housing that bans drugs and alcohol.

— Jennifer Ludden, NPR, 8 Nov. 2026
Treatments include facials and body treatments from 111Skin, myBlend and Dr Burgener, plus the option to book a private spa suite or saline bath.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of option

Adjective

The judge dismissed the lawsuit without prejudice after Parton's estate, led by her longtime manager Danny Nozell, requested its voluntary dismissal last week, according to court records seen by ABC News.

— Katie Kindelan, ABC News, 10 Nov. 2026
An employee might also forfeit or delay their unemployment benefits upon signing a buyout agreement because it could be considered a voluntary exit .

— Itzel Franco, CNBC, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of voluntary

Noun

With 12 guests dining in tandem, the chef and his two-strong team prep in the open kitchen before Schmidt shares details about the nine courses.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Nov. 2026
The mayor proposes the city’s budget, deciding each year whether to patch the current gap or set a longer-term course toward structural stability.

— Ashley Hartman, Chicago Tribune, 13 Nov. 2026

Definition of course

Noun

Boden told The Hollywood Reporter, talking the day after his keynote speech at the annual Motion Picture Association (MPA) seminar at Tokyo International Film Festival.

— Gavin J Blair, HollywoodReporter, 2 Nov. 2026
The Proof Again, Huang began sending out e-mails—more than 40 in 2023—and gave a circuit of seminar talks.

— Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of seminar

Noun

The motion calls on the county’s chief executive officer to identify millions of dollars in new funding for self-help legal centers, courthouse domestic violence clinics and the launch of a hotline to help connect the public with services.

— Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026
As with every clinic on this list, anyone with advanced loss should confirm how the clinic approaches staged planning and what happens if a second session is advised later.

— Burak Onal, Miami Herald, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of clinic

Noun

In 2023, authorities interrupted a Sunday church class to warn Gu and Cui that their church had become too large, Gu said.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 Nov. 2026
Jewish students should be able to attend class, enter campus buildings, and participate in student organizations without ancestry- or faith-based discrimination.

— Ilya Shapiro, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of class

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elections

elective

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“Elective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elective. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of elective

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

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