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
Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 22 June 2025
That means bringing the humanities back—not as electives, but as core career infrastructure.
—Nirit Cohen, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
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
Adjective
Educational institutions must integrate AI training into their core curricula, rather than treating it as an elective or afterthought.
—Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 22 June 2025
That means bringing the humanities back—not as electives, but as core career infrastructure.
—Nirit Cohen, Forbes.com, 12 June 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
-
Hoping to rival such metro chains like 7 Brew, Scooter’s and Dutch Bros, 151 Coffee sells energy drinks, refreshers, smoothies and coffee drinks.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
11 July 2025
-
Planetary returns reignite things and bring energy and vigor, a refresher that adds zest to our passions and artistry.—
Lisa Stardust,
People.com,
2 July 2025
Noun
-
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
-
The combination of limited production capacity and expensive weapons sometimes constrained the government’s options.—
Dexter Filkins,
New Yorker,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
The program also focuses on ensuring participation remains voluntary and contingent upon parental consent.—
William A. Haseltine,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
Newsweek contacted Trump International Scotland for an update on the course's progress via email.—
Theo Burman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 July 2025
-
The cocktail’s base is, of course, espresso mixed with vodka.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 July 2025
Noun
-
The three energy topics on everyone’s lips at the OPEC seminar The Secretariat’s home is a cavernous building, where journalists are typically relegated to a basement media room.—
Ruxandra Iordache,
CNBC,
11 July 2025
-
In 2023, several of the investors from the real estate seminars filed a lawsuit against both Envy and the Pinas.—
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
That way, if things fall through or if the clinic or entity fail, the community will be deprived of that service, but in a way that other services might be set up in advance to help catch those critical patients that may fall through the cracks.—
Richard Menger MD MPA,
Forbes.com,
26 July 2025
-
Despite emergency treatment at the facility's clinic and the main Doral shelter, veterinarians were unable to stabilize Rocky, leading to his death.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 July 2025
Noun
-
And a range of kids, from high schoolers in Advanced Placement science classes to Girl Scout troops, have participated.—
Madeline Heim,
jsonline.com,
24 July 2025
-
Working as a carpenter requires hands-on experience, although classes in woodworking and apprenticeships can help with developing carpentry skills.—
Sarah Bregel,
Parents,
23 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Elective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elective. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share