elective 1 of 2

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

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
Pet insurance also rarely covers elective procedures like ear cropping, tail docking or declawing. Liz Knueven, CNBC, 31 Dec. 2024 Other stubborn problems—low birth rates, underemployment among the college-educated, a doctors’ strike that has effectively halted elective medical procedures—have gone largely unaddressed. Victor Cha, The Atlantic, 20 Dec. 2024
Noun
For all three tracks, there is a laundry list of a la carte electives that can be added. Larry Olmsted, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024 All feature very small groups (averaging around 10) and the three programs share common elements, with all participants eating and doing some group activities together, then separating for activities specific to their choice of focuses, as well as personal electives. Larry Olmsted, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for elective 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elective
Adjective
  • But this is precisely why women's involvement in AI is not optional.
    Erin Grau, TIME, 29 Jan. 2025
  • The excellent and recommended 14–speaker JBL sounds system is optional and like the Toyota Tacoma, the 4Runner features a JBL Flex portable speaker that is removable from the dash and works through Bluetooth.
    Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • For body odor, hang the jacket outside to air for 12 to 24 hours, use an unscented commercial fabric refresher, or place the jacket in a large sealed plastic container for 24-48 hours with a box of baking soda to absorb the odors.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 31 Jan. 2025
  • Shayna Goldman has an NHL midseason concern-o-meter that’s a good refresher.
    Chris Branch, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • If your bathmat isn't up to par, consider replacing it with this top-selling option — 302 readers already have.
    Toni Sutton, People.com, 28 Jan. 2025
  • The cheaper alternative is to switch to physical storage, and this Dual USB 1TB Flash Drive is an excellent option for just $69.97 (reg.
    StackCommerce Team (Sponsored), PCMAG, 28 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But the idea of displacement, voluntary or otherwise, is horrifying to Jordan and Egypt and likely alarming to other Arab allies of the US, threatening decades of international consensus about the right of Palestinians to a homeland.
    Tim Lister, CNN, 28 Jan. 2025
  • In 1994, the N.C. Poultry Federation adopted voluntary guidelines that said poultry houses should not be built closer than 500 feet to an occupied residence.
    Ames Alexander, Charlotte Observer, 26 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • James, of course, has never been away after breaking into the NBA and 18.
    Stephen Wade, Chicago Tribune, 1 Feb. 2025
  • Some sort of course correction is absolutely necessary.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • On Kimberly Taking the Risks to Protest Kimberly is on track to realize her dream of becoming a Supreme Court Justice, especially with her special spot in a seminar for older students with an esteemed guest professor played by Tig Notaro.
    Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Throughout all four days of the retreat, guests can take part in fascinating educational seminars, with topics spanning from manta ray identification methods to the inner workings of plankton, a diverse type of organism that makes up the bulk of a manta ray’s diet.
    Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The premise: a clinic where all the appointments for men aged 20 to 45 are structured like a chill podcast where the patient is a guest who reveals his medical history in the course of a podcast chat.
    Omar L. Gallaga, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2025
  • Four days after President Donald Trump took office, the Justice Department is restricting prosecutions for interfering with access to reproductive health clinics.
    Aysha Bagchi, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Braces, dance classes, softball and T-ball and band instruments all eat into paychecks.
    Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 24 Jan. 2025
  • But climate change poses an existential threat to all Californians, regardless of political affiliation, class, or celebrity.
    Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 24 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near elective

Cite this Entry

“Elective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elective. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.

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