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
1
as in refresher
Related Words
2
as in option
Related Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of elective
Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 15 Apr. 2026
According to the hospital, some planned elective procedures and outpatient appointments will need to be rescheduled.
—Matt Schooley, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 22 Feb. 2026
Three years ago, the district had to eliminate one elective and currently only offers art and music.
—Alexandra Hardle, AZCentral.com, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for elective
Adjective
As a precaution, Smith said, the hospital closed ambulatory clinics and canceled elective procedures and outpatient appointments Wednesday.
—Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 15 Apr. 2026
According to the hospital, some planned elective procedures and outpatient appointments will need to be rescheduled.
—Matt Schooley, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
Noun
Sofia Gomez, an aspiring educator and UT freshman, took a women’s and gender studies class as an elective her first semester.
—Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 22 Feb. 2026
Three years ago, the district had to eliminate one elective and currently only offers art and music.
—Alexandra Hardle, AZCentral.com, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for elective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elective
Adjective
-
Starting this summer, employees will again be required to wear red shirts with blue jeans or khakis, though vests will remain optional.—
Star Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
4 May 2026
-
Accountability is not optional.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
McDonald's reveals new refreshers, crafted sodas on menu Meanwhile, McDonald's has added a new lineup of six specialty drinks, including caffeinated refreshers and dirty sodas, to its menu.—
Gabe Hauari,
USA Today,
4 May 2026
-
The menu includes shakes, like a Strawberry Shortcake Krunch, as well as boba refreshers and iced coffees.—
Dee-Ann Durbin,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The California Honey mandarin (Citrus reticulata 'California Honey') is an exceptional patio plant and a sweeter citrus option.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
3 May 2026
-
Duffy also advised passengers to consider credit card chargebacks, travel insurance claims or bankruptcy filings for additional recovery options.—
Emma Tucker,
CNN Money,
3 May 2026
Adjective
-
The Browns held a three-day voluntary minicamp shortly before the 2026 NFL Draft.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
2 May 2026
-
Some are legally binding (California, New York, China, the EU); others issue voluntary guidance (NIST, Singapore).—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Fortune,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
Joey Garrison The White House plans to serve King Charles, Queen Camilla and other guests dover sole meunière ‒ a premium French fish dish ‒ as the main course of Tuesday's royal state dinner followed by a chocolate gâteau shaped like a beehive for dessert.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
-
All told, the beating heart of the city has moved downtown, but the Pen’s position is a good Midtown midpoint between obligations in the Upper East Side (business or otherwise—there’s the Met, of course) and attractions a touch further south, like Broadway.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The church said there were roughly 30 people in the group and the disruption endangered staff, parishioners and visitors, and a seminar was underway at the time of the incident.—
Joe Kottke,
NBC news,
3 May 2026
-
The romancer, which bowed in SXSW, follows Julia (Hawke), a frustrated video game designer, and Charlie (Pullman), a struggling musician, having supernatural impacts on the world after attending a couples therapy seminar to repair their volatile relationship.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
The sport science clinic in Varese has, for 30 years, prepared and rehabilitated some of Italy’s best athletes.—
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
7 May 2026
-
Public health experts warn that air pollution here could pose serious health risks for residents, as cases of acute respiratory tract infections rise at the only public health clinic in the district.—
NPR,
NPR,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
The window next to my desk overlooks the gym’s large communal exercise room, and throughout the day, I am taunted by the sight of gyrating bodies panting through a Zumba class or a kettlebell set.—
Rachel Syme,
New Yorker,
8 May 2026
-
One in eight freshmen at UC San Diego requires special remedial math classes just to catch up.—
Jemma Stephenson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Elective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elective. Accessed 9 May. 2026.
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