1
: a vote cast by writing in the name of a candidate
2
: a candidate whose name is written in
wrote in; written in; writing in; writes in
1
: to insert in a document or text
2
a
: to insert (a name not listed on a ballot or voting machine) in an appropriate space
b
: to cast (a vote) in this manner
Examples of write-in in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
No Republicans are on the ballot in the primary, although Eric Wallace filed as a qualified write-in candidate for the GOP, so presumably will make it to the general election once ballots are formally counted and certified.
—Sabrina Franza, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026
Lexi Salazar, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
Cambodia denies that its military ever used the temple, with its Ministry of Culture writing in a statement that the temple is under civilian control and that any security forces present were there only to protect the cultural heritage site.
—ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026
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Noun
District 17 Joe Salvi’s only challenger for the Republican primary was write-in candidate Eleanor Sweet McDonnell, who highlighted her track record as president of North Barrington and previous work in politics, while Salvi framed himself as part of a new generation of Lake County Republicans.
—Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
No Republicans are on the ballot in the primary, although Eric Wallace filed as a qualified write-in candidate for the GOP, so presumably will make it to the general election once ballots are formally counted and certified.
—Sabrina Franza, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026
Verb
No Big Bend Wall, wrote in a text message Monday afternoon.
—Lexi Salazar, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
Cambodia denies that its military ever used the temple, with its Ministry of Culture writing in a statement that the temple is under civilian control and that any security forces present were there only to protect the cultural heritage site.
—ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for write-in
Cite this Entry
“Write-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/write-in. Accessed 26 Mar. 2026.
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