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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Kyle Martin, Mercury News, 17 Feb. 2026
All of these actions should automatically disqualify him from ever holding elective office again.
—Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026
Hope Moses, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026
Simon said the school aims to integrate robotics in its Gateway to Tech elective in the next year.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for elective
Adjective
Many in attendance at the board meeting were upset that several teachers for elective classes, such as drama, dance, music and video production, could also be cut.
—Kyle Martin, Mercury News, 17 Feb. 2026
All of these actions should automatically disqualify him from ever holding elective office again.
—Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
In high-poverty districts like CPS, schools may be forced to cut arts programs, electives, extracurriculars or reduce counseling, library and mental health staff.
—Hope Moses, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026
Simon said the school aims to integrate robotics in its Gateway to Tech elective in the next year.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for elective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elective
Adjective
-
That short bed will be good for a younger child to complete a three-member family layout, and the optional 69 x 34-in (175 x 85-cm) single bed that can be added via a right-side expansion module rounds out the four-person setup.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
2 Mar. 2026
-
The long straps that hang off your child's car seat are not optional.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
This all-natural goat hair and oak face brush is the perfect refresher for your skin in the morning.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Feb. 2026
-
Noah Silver, Boca Raton Americans may need a refresher on why Attorney General Pam Bondi continues to embarrass herself and her office.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
25 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
With many travelers stranded because of the airspace closures, multiple governments are reportedly discussing options to get them home, including repatriation flights.—
Karla Cripps,
CNN Money,
2 Mar. 2026
-
The pool is a clear perk during summer stays, and Nine Zero One’s menu has some kid-friendly options.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Nearly two-thirds of children detained by ICE were eventually deported, and almost 1 in 10 left the country when their parents accepted voluntary departure, according to an AP analysis of the latest comprehensive data.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
1 Mar. 2026
-
Dave Jones, a former California insurance commissioner, opposed the exemption, arguing that the Department of Insurance’s climate disclosure program is described as voluntary and does not require full reporting of emissions.—
Chaewon Chung,
Sacbee.com,
28 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Police officers who were working to direct traffic for the race received a call of an officer down about a block off the race course roughly 300 feet from the location of the misdirection.—
Kevin Dotson,
CNN Money,
4 Mar. 2026
-
There are also a number of aforementioned on-site activities kids will enjoy; the thrilling and picturesque zipline course is most ideal for children (or the child within).—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The seminar is hosted by BlackStar in partnership with Stanford University’s Institute for Diversity in the Arts and aims to provide filmmakers, scholars, critics, curators and cultural workers with an opportunity to explore the technical and creative aspects of media.—
Hema Sivanandam,
Mercury News,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Willonious Hattcher will run seminars on the expanding world of AI in filmmaking, and on the business side, the program adds Donnita Shaw, Manager of Partnerships & Brand Strategy.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
An acupuncture clinic occupies the basement floor, a periodontist operates on the third, and a hair salon rounds out the offerings.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
27 Feb. 2026
-
To address that dilemma, the pediatric hospital implemented literacy screenings in about half of its 13 clinics, assigning a literacy coordinator to each.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Other activities include horse-riding in the company of a local Sherpa, archery, mountain biking and a cooking class for local Thakali-style food.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Mitchell’s call-them-like-he-sees-them numbers have real credibility with the political class, since a Republican governor likely isn’t his preferred electoral outcome.—
David Mark,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Elective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elective. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
