elective 1 of 2

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

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
Board members also approved a plan to identify employment areas at the campus that will receive the layoffs, including core subject and elective teachers, special education and other professional positions. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Mar. 2026 Where trading Sherwood and Hughes were deals Vancouver had to make, trading Myers’ deal was really the first elective rebuilding trade of this era of Canucks history. Thomas Drance, New York Times, 5 Mar. 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
  • The question box includes a space for your name, but this is optional.
    Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 27 Mar. 2026
  • No payday lender ever made the payment of fees and interest optional.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Customers who know the recipe or use the Starbucks mobile app can order the refresher variation.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026
  • For a refresher, the grand jury noted that supervisors obscured the raise, which boosted their pay above the governor’s, from public scrutiny.
    The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 18 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • With Kyle Teel sidelined four to six weeks because of a right hamstring strain, McGuire joins Edgar Quero as options behind the plate.
    LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026
  • Weigh the options under the Gemini moon.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Florida remains committed to longstanding constitutional protections for voluntary prayer and religious expression in our public schools.
    Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 21 Mar. 2026
  • While starter home districts would circumvent communities’ larger lot restrictions, that very fact would seem to generally restrict their voluntary adoption in those circumstances.
    Boston Herald editorial staff, Boston Herald, 21 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Bake loaves of bread, of course.
    Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 Mar. 2026
  • My wild hope that a sentence or paragraph would explain things was, of course, frustrated.
    Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The research facility, part of the Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State, hosts several seminars throughout the year, aimed at search dogs at different stages of training.
    Liz Teitz, San Antonio Express-News, 19 Mar. 2026
  • Throughout the year, guests can partake in flower arranging workshops, cooking classes, tastings, and seminars at the Culinary Academy with Executive Chef Riccardo Bacciottini.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The foundation has helped thousands and thousands of kids in the region through refurbishing basketball courts, hosting basketball clinics and promoting academic enrichment.
    Kerri Corrado, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The outpatient building will include clinics and an ambulatory surgery center.
    Samuel O’Neal March 26, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Ciriaco finished second in the Olympic category and fourth in the traditional event in the 119-pound weight class at the 3A state championship.
    Alex Kushel, Sun Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Syme About Town Dance Nearly fifty now, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago has long been, for good or ill, a best-in-class purveyor of trends in contemporary dance.
    Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Elective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elective. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on elective

Nglish: Translation of elective for Spanish Speakers

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