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
Additional elective teachers and administrative support increase staffing costs, meaning the program requires higher enrollment to remain financially sustainable. Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 13 Mar. 2026 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
Noun
The share of med schools offering geriatrics even as an elective fell from 89% to 71%. Howard Gleckman, Forbes.com, 26 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
  • Geico Auto Insurance Learn More Policy highlights Geico offers 16 discounts and a variety of optional add-ons, such as emergency roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement and mechanical breakdown insurance.
    Liz Knueven, CNBC, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Before Saturday’s game, Rice worked on his scoops with Brett Weber, the Yankees’ senior director of advance scouting and a coaching assistant, during an optional batting practice period.
    Gary Phillips, Hartford Courant, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Need a refresher on key tax terms?
    Kate Dore, CFP®, EA,Lorie Konish,Kamaron McNair,Greg Iacurci,Mike Winters,Sarah Agostino, CNBC, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Laid-back mountain towns make for quick resupply, and dips in the cold, clear waters of Lake Tahoe are instant refreshers.
    Madison Chapman, Outside, 25 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The spa also offers an array of signature treatments worth exploring—from wellness rituals (like the Signature Bamford Treatment, which includes a footbath, massage, and assisted yogic breathing) to body rituals (mud baths, sauna wraps) and facials (including a luxurious 24K gold option).
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Food pantries rarely offer mobile options, and SNAP cannot be used for home deliveries.
    Beth Shapiro, New York Daily News, 29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • With some companies pausing travel to risky areas until further notice, voluntary flight cancellations on Europe to Asia routes more than doubled in the first week of March, according to data from travel agency Perk.
    Sydney Goh, CNBC, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Overall, 92,000 jobs were lost, and the voluntary quitting rate dropped — seen as a measure of employees’ confidence in their ability to find new work.
    Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 3 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Yet this is part of a trend that’s defined the Knicks’ first season under Brown, one that also predated Brown’s arrival as a through-line over the course of last season’s playoff run.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 2026
  • The good kind of questions, of course — the kind that steer us toward understanding who these Panthers might be in 2026 and beyond.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 1 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • There will also be carnival rides and games, eating contests, cooking demonstrations, wine seminars, food booths selling Italian favorites, as well as The Moretti Beer Garden and the Spritz Del Conte Wine Garden.
    Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2026
  • The Disney Food & Wine Festival runs through April 27 at Disney California Adventure with local, celebrity and Disney chefs offering cooking tips during culinary demonstrations, tasting seminars and signature events.
    Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Sessions take place wherever a client's life already happens, with active referral partnerships spanning nonprofits, schools, social service agencies, clinics, and insurance providers.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
  • My own alcohol misuse led to two emergency room visits, and eventually, to founding a virtual care clinic for alcohol use disorder.
    Jonathan Hunt-Glassman, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Even the more politically active class of nonprofits — 501(c)(4) groups, like the relatively new American Hunters and Anglers — can’t make political activity its primary activity.
    Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Tune into yourself while tuning out the outside world courtesy of an E-bike ride under the Tuscan sun, a stroll through the olive groves, a dip in the infinity pool, a meditative massage, or a private cooking class using ingredients sourced from the property.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Elective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elective. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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