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

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

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

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

The Senate on its 10th try also approved a war powers resolution to end the conflict, but GOP senators quickly reversed course the next day after Trump berated them during a closed-door lunch.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Sep. 2026
Over courses of ravioli, New York strip steak, and whole roasted artichokes, the duo laughed and chatted with family, patrons, Knicks fans, and Towns’s teammate Jordan Clarkson.

— Clara Hillis, Vogue, 17 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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Style

“Elective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elective. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of elective

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

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