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

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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
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
Risks and recovery Any elective or non-elective surgery carries some degree of risk, experts agree. Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 21 June 2025 The district is proposing an ethnic studies elective course to offer this fall that at this point is not required for graduation. Marsha Sutton, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 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
  • The combination of limited production capacity and expensive weapons sometimes constrained the government’s options.
    Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Viewers and listeners of PBS and NPR are significantly more affluent than the average American, which gives them the means to support public broadcasting through voluntary contributions.
    The Editors, National Review, 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 course is a series of ramps, bumps, jumps and angled walls to challenge riders of progressive abilities from beginner to professional.
    Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 July 2025
  • Hosted by the Rotary Clubs of Fort Collins, this sweet event also includes live music, food and drinks — including, of course, peach cocktails.
    Sarah Kuta, Denver Post, 7 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
  • Providence Health has also seen the wisdom of putting medical services in San Clemente and opened up a facility near the Shops of San Clemente that includes is a primary care clinic with urgent care.
    Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 13 July 2025
Noun
  • College art classes didn’t work out, and when his mother died unexpectedly, there were the Marines.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • Miami brings in a whole new roster made up of a top-20 recruiting class and transfers including Tre Donaldson (Michigan), Malik Reneau (Indiana), Ernest Udeh Jr. (TCU), Tru Washington (New Mexico), Jordyn Kee (Georgia) and Marcus Allen (Missouri).
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Elective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elective. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.

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