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
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
-
Meanwhile, Victor Hedman skated yet again Sunday morning in the team’s optional practice.—
Arpon Basu,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
In a fireside chat with Sarah Jones, senior editor of strategic content at Sourcing Journal, Lewkowitz said the industry’s shift toward transparency is no longer optional, but a fundamental requirement for survival in a volatile climate and a stricter regulatory landscape.—
Arthur Zaczkiewicz,
Footwear News,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Catching up on Round 1 Need a refresher on what happened on Thursday?—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
25 Apr. 2026
-
And while Edwards has seen every coverage and approach a team can toss his direction, refreshers are required for maximum output.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
14 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The others provide a variety of options to work in around them.—
Jon Machota,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Take your pick from several colors, including neutrals and more vibrant options.—
Tanya Sharma,
PEOPLE,
26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Russell was charged in state court with voluntary manslaughter and pleaded guilty, receiving a jail sentence and probation.—
Kelly Davis,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Join others in voluntary efforts to keep ICE away from hospitals, schools, and shelters.—
Robert B. Reich,
Hartford Courant,
25 Apr. 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
-
Hachimura flew past the Houston post players for a last-chance offensive rebound and finished off a passing seminar for a second-chance basket to go with a two-possession lead in overtime.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
25 Apr. 2026
-
With a heavy emphasis on what works psychologically, seminars, books and college classes are trying to change how people approach climate change, by talking more about community and happiness than sacrifice.—
Seth Borenstein,
Fortune,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Hair banking is underway at South Florida hair clinics, where doctors remove young, healthy hair follicles for cryo-preservation before they are affected by hormones or age.—
Tribune News Service,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Players will host a basketball skills clinic for boys and girls up to 8th grade, covering dribbling, shooting, passing and gameplay.—
Amy Stark Shireman,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Belmont Abbey, a Catholic college in Gaston County, welcomed its second-largest incoming class in school history in fall 2025, leading to record enrollment, Vice Provost of Enrollment Jesse Dorman told The Charlotte Observer.—
Mary Ramsey,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Apr. 2026
-
As Ridgefield’s arts community has expanded, so has the demand for space, not just for performances, but for classes, workshops, and partnerships.—
Pamela Brown,
Hartford Courant,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Elective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elective. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
