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
With elective classes came the need to establish criteria for an educational degree that could include multiple different subjects. — Emilia Otte, Hartford Courant, 4 June 2026 In recent years, most of these teacher recruitment programs have focused on encouraging high school students to pursue a teaching career through elective courses that introduce students to teaching as a career. — David Blazar, The Conversation, 1 June 2026
Noun
My electives were again very engaging, but if my ultimate goal was to become a specialist, these would be time-consuming and not improve my expertise in neonatal medicine. — Dawn Zuidgeest-Craft, STAT, 24 Apr. 2026 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 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
  • The kitchen block is located to the right of the entry, utilizing an optional portable induction cooker, rectangular sink with flush-mount lid and available 90-L Isotherm door fridge.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 8 July 2026
  • Rather than conventional seats, the cushions are fixed directly to the chassis, and there’s an optional sustainable textile called InnoKnit, which sweeps across the sills and cockpit like a breaking wave.
    — Jason Barlow, Robb Report, 7 July 2026
Definition of optional
Noun
  • For a quick refresher, Pavlov found that if dogs were repeatedly given food while a bell rang, the dogs eventually began salivating at the mere sound of the bell because their brains associated the sound with food.
    — Sharon Brandwein, USA Today, 27 June 2026
  • Their drinks include coffee, matcha, refreshers, fruit smoothies and energy drinks.
    — Emily Harter, Kansas City Star, 24 June 2026
Definition of refresher
Noun
  • This affordable option packs a surprising amount of organizing power into one compact bag.
    — Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
  • If an island getaway is favored, there are plenty of options across the globe to choose from, all with pristine beaches and seaside charm.
    — Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
Definition of option
Adjective
  • The reason is that the administration has shrunk the requirements for reports of immunization from states, changing the reports from mandated to voluntary.
    — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • Without control of committee gavels — and the subpoena power that comes with them — legislative inquiries from the Hill minority generally rely on the voluntary compliance from their targets to produce documents or testimony.
    — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of voluntary
Noun
  • The first is the trip to Lima with covered plane tickets, hotel accommodations, a trip to the Caravedo distillery and a 10-course lunch at Chef Acurio’s restaurant, Astrid & Gaston.
    — Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 2 July 2026
  • Employees need to be able to recognize threats, make smart decisions and respond confidently when a suspicious message, request or interaction shows up in the course of a normal workday.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of course
Noun
  • The methods used to measure whether vaccines work, and the way they were discussed during the recent seminar, are not a side issue.
    — Ben Lopman, STAT, 2 July 2026
  • The atmosphere was not much better in my upper-level seminars.
    — Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026
Definition of seminar
Noun
  • The Racquet Club features 12 Har-Tru Hydro Courts, and staff offer clinics and help coordinate matches.
    — Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 7 July 2026
  • There is a Pilates studio; a dedicated clinic for aesthetic and therapeutic beauty services, and a Smoov bar, which serves functional drinks and vitamin supplements.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 7 July 2026
Definition of clinic
Noun
  • Monthly events like their floral arrangement workshop and cocktail classes create a space where people can enjoy an experience while gaining new skills and knowledge.
    — Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
  • Students return for the first day of classes since the shooting.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 July 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 9 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of elective for Spanish Speakers

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