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
This year, a Homeland Security shutdown created hours-long security lines; an elective war with Iran spiked the cost of fuel and ticket prices. — Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026 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
Noun
Twin Peaks and Meadowbrook are the only two schools that implemented bell schedules that allow students to take more than one elective per year. — Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026 Her top priorities include refining the Pathways program to ensure students can access electives, like orchestra, and providing additional support to educators, specifically special education teachers. — Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 28 Mar. 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
  • Thanks to Hegseth, military aviators have learned that rules are optional as long as top leadership thinks your stunt looked cool.
    — Brynn Tannehill, The Atlantic, 21 July 2026
  • Northwestern ranks rigor, class rank, and GPA among its most important factors and counts standardized tests as merely considered under its test-optional policy.
    — Jamie Beaton, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of optional
Noun
  • While this refresher will be available on-menu and in the Dunkin' app, Dunkin's full Parke Perfect Sips collection will be available for in-app ordering only.
    — Catherine Messier, The Providence Journal, 16 July 2026
  • The Justice Department is weighing whether to launch an investigation into the Fort Worth Police Department’s handling of an event at Trinity Pride Fest in June that prompted the department to give officers a refresher on First Amendment rights.
    — Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
Definition of refresher
Noun
  • Beyond reducing component counts, the approach broadens supply chain options, speeds manufacturing, and provides greater flexibility when increasing output.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 July 2026
  • In those circumstances, and with United looking at options on the left wing, including Crysencio Summerville, the prospect of Rashford returning, thus saving the club a fee for a new signing, has increased.
    — Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Definition of option
Adjective
  • Like Brissett, Sweat did not attend voluntary off-season workouts.
    — Doug Haller, New York Times, 24 July 2026
  • The voluntary recall was initiated after PT Organics Limited’s packaging supplier recalled a production run of defective pouches last week.
    — Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026
Definition of voluntary
Noun
  • His emphasis on the WNBA’s bottom line has become more apparent over the course of her tenure.
    — Annie Costabile, New York Times, 24 July 2026
  • Another post to Facebook about the business garnered more support, with people expressing their excitement for the course to open.
    — Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
Definition of course
Noun
  • Corporations hired kaizen consultants and ran Deming seminars.
    — Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • As an example, the Office of Government Ethics said an industry-wide seminar attended by more than 100 people could be allowed if the employee’s participation would be in the agency’s interest.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 17 July 2026
Definition of seminar
Noun
  • The clinics are stocked with medical supplies and generators to help restore healthcare in communities devastated by the earthquakes.
    — Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2026
  • In December, the affiliate launched new health care offerings at some clinics, including in the Bay Area.
    — Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 21 July 2026
Definition of clinic
Noun
  • The Hornets’ 2025 NBA Draft class received plenty of playing time over the past week-plus, logging extensive minutes.
    — Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026
  • Strain into a rocks glass or up into a cocktail class that’s rimmed with tajin (also optional).
    — Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 18 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 24 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of elective for Spanish Speakers

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