elective

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Washington state does not provide an elective share for the surviving spouse, so married couples automatically retain their half of the community property.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 12, 2026

At 19, I had “top surgery”—a euphemism for an elective double mastectomy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 11, 2026

Dunbar is on an elective residency visa, which forbids her from working while she’s there, so she has to rely on passive income.

From Slate • Feb. 1, 2026

All hospitals and “nearly all” medical offices would remain open, Applin-Jones said; some appointments may be shifted from in-person to virtual, while some elective surgeries and procedures may need to be rescheduled.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 26, 2026

“Uh-huh,” I said, though I had no idea what an elective was.

From "Wonder" by R. J. Palacio