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

Relevance

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
That means bringing the humanities back—not as electives, but as core career infrastructure. Nirit Cohen, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025 Texas also offers a personal financial literacy elective. Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 May 2025
Noun
Regardless of the political climate, companies that are ready to compete for top-tier Black talent must reframe DEI as business-critical, not elective, and that means: Reinvesting in DEI leadership with real budgets and seats at the C-suite table. Sughnen Yongo, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 Added, was the removal of a 2018 requirement for high schools to offer a semester-long elective ethics course. Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for elective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elective
Adjective
  • Compliance isn’t optional—staying informed and ahead of any local or statewide regulations around rent control, evictions or other tenant rights is essential to operate responsibly and sustainably while avoiding costly legal issues.
    Nathan Miller, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • If breaks are optional, are short breaks ever paid?
    Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • While 2025 may not be its heyday, the humble four-door non-SUV—known as the sedan, for those who need a refresher—is thankfully still present on America’s new car lots.
    Peter Nelson, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
  • The cooling effect lasts for three hours before the beads need a 15-minute refresher.
    Clint Davis, People.com, 4 July 2025
Noun
  • The Colorado college town beat out Cincinnati and Salt Lake City after the festival brass started exploring relocation options in 2024, with Boulder chosen for its mountain views reminiscent of Park City’s own as well as its vibrant arts community.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 14 July 2025
  • While opting for the white colorway will offer coastal appeal, like the brand’s Loire headboard, this one has tons of fabric options to personalize its design to match your aesthetic.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • The program also focuses on ensuring participation remains voluntary and contingent upon parental consent.
    William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • On June 9, Alma Pak International LLC announced a voluntary recall of 400 boxes of its organic blueberries due to the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.
    Raven Brunner, People.com, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • The story of Esther is told, of course, in the Biblical book that bears her name, which produced the Jewish celebration of Purim.
    Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 19 July 2025
  • The cocktail’s base is, of course, espresso mixed with vodka.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 July 2025
Noun
  • Some of those funds were donated with the understanding they would be used to facilitate free seminars for rental property owners and train police officers.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2025
  • Away from the seminar halls, United Arab Emirates energy minister Suhail Al Mazrouei said the oil market was thirsty for more, and has so far lapped up every increase in production OPEC has thrown its way.
    Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • Honesty Before 2025 Season Throughout his college career split between Jackson State and Colorado, Sanders put on a passing clinic.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
  • Investigators said Moore operated the scheme from a plastic surgery clinic in Midvale, a Salt Lake City suburb.
    Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 13 July 2025
Noun
  • The Net Rating model views Minnesota and Utah as being a tier beneath those three wild-card striver class teams.
    Thomas Drance, New York Times, 11 July 2025
  • Graduates are invited back for ongoing group classes, continuing their aquatic journey from floating and diving to building advanced swimming skills.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 11 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Elective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elective. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on elective

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!