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
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 Or the elective abjection of modernist figures like Antonin Artaud, Jean Genet, Marguerite Duras, and Simone Weil. — Ian Penman, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
Noun
The district already offered personal finance as an elective before the statewide requirement went into effect. — P.r. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 8 Apr. 2026 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 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
  • Voting is optional in New Zealand but enrollment for those eligible and living in the country is compulsory, with failure to do so punishable by a fine of 100 New Zealand dollars ($59).
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • For those who didn’t resent this labor, a nice optional touch was to add a blanket cover, obviously over the blanket.
    — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of optional
Noun
  • That training doesn’t stop after onboarding, either — employees have to come back for refreshers every year.
    — Laurie Mermet, Sun Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2026
  • As this summer's refresher and soda drink wars heat up, McDonald's is upping the ante and teaming up with Red Bull to add new energy drinks to its menu.
    — Yi-Jin Yu, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of refresher
Noun
  • The administration sees the naval blockade of the strait and sanctions as effective and views Trump as having additional options that can be cranked harder in the weeks and months ahead.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Gameplay sees major defensive overhauls, smarter linebackers, and complex pre-snap options, creating a deeper, more challenging experience.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of option
Adjective
  • Mumps vaccination is voluntary and given with a separate standalone vaccine that parents pay for.
    — Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The Savannah department said it was made aware of the misuse through Flock’s voluntary audit function.
    — Sarah Rankin, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of voluntary
Noun
  • And the university, which declined an interview request about the new program, is not the first to offer content creation courses.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Students will encounter larger classes, fewer course offerings and a more transient instructional workforce.
    — Francisco Ruiz, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of course
Noun
  • The clinics have over five years helped support over 500 filmmaking teams to date, and some of the early interest in this edition of the seminar is already surpassing last year’s edition.
    — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The Mary Kay seminar, which has called the Kay Bailey Hutchison Center home for years, is on tour while the convention center undergoes those remodels.
    — Bo Evans, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of seminar
Noun
  • When making the appointment, Zordani said, he'd been told the clinic was in his insurer's network.
    — Julie Appleby, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Patients often worry that the process will be daunting, Hosseinzadeh said, but clinics offer support throughout.
    — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of clinic
Noun
  • One disappointing development for the rookie class came when Trost, the Rams’ third-round pick, had to leave in the first quarter with a hamstring injury.
    — Nate Atkins, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Including the 2026 class, 329 people have been named Disney Legends.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 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 17 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on elective

Nglish: Translation of elective for Spanish Speakers

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