election

noun

elec·​tion i-ˈlek-shən 

1

a

: an act or process of electing

the election of a new governor

b

: the fact of being elected

her election to the Senate

2

: predestination to eternal life

3

: the right, power, or privilege of making a choice

Synonyms

• choice
• choosing
• picking
• selecting
• selection

Choose the Right Synonym for election

choice, option, alternative, preference, selection, election mean the act or opportunity of choosing or the thing chosen.

choice suggests the opportunity or privilege of choosing freely.

freedom of choice

option implies a power to choose that is specifically granted or guaranteed.

the option of paying now or later

alternative implies a need to choose one and reject another possibility.

equally attractive alternatives

preference suggests a choice guided by one's judgment or predilections.

a preference for cool weather

selection implies a range of choice.

a varied selection of furniture

election implies an end or purpose which requires exercise of judgment.

doing a tax return forces certain elections on you

Examples of election in a Sentence

He's favored to win the election.

The scandal may affect his chances for election.

Her election to the Senate was a surprise to many.

Recent Examples on the Web

Earlier this year, Fox News settled a defamation case with a Venezuelan businessman who had filed a lawsuit against the company over its 2020 election coverage. —Oliver Darcy, CNN, 12 Sep. 2023

During the next election cycle, Wilson was voted out of office. —Jim Ruland, Los Angeles Times, 12 Sep. 2023

Politics in Brief Trump investigations: Former President Donald Trump’s attorneys filed motions to dismiss charges against him in the Georgia election interference case. —Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 12 Sep. 2023

Here are the latest unofficial election results for Cuyahoga County’s September 12, 2023 municipal primary election. —cleveland, 12 Sep. 2023

Whether these issues still motivate voters is one of the unknowns in this year’s election. —Trip Gabriel, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2023

But starting a formal impeachment inquiry into Mr. Biden could help to appease Republican allies of Trump, who has emerged as the GOP frontrunner to confront Mr. Biden in the 2024 election for the White House. —CBS News, 11 Sep. 2023

But governments—subject to strict transparency laws, elections, and a sense of civic responsibility—also face a set of challenges distinct from the private sector. —Todd Feathers, WIRED, 11 Sep. 2023

Although election season is just underway, Cunningham already enjoys a significant fundraising advantage over Reyes. —Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing election

• by-election
• general election
• pre-election
• bye-election

• by-election
• general election
• pre-election
• bye-election

Kids Definition

election

noun

elec·​tion i-ˈlek-shən 

1

: an act or process of electing

especially : the process of voting to choose a person for office

the election of a new governor

2

: the fact of being elected

her election to the presidency

Legal Definition

election

noun

elec·​tion

1

a

: the act or process of electing

b

: an instance of the electorate voting for candidates for an elective office

c

: the fact of being elected

2

: the right, power, or privilege of making a choice: as

a

: the right of a spouse to choose a statutorily prescribed amount of a deceased spouse's estate or whatever was devised to him or her under the will

b

: the right of a person who has an interest in property that a deceased has disposed of by will either to claim his or her right to the property or to accept what he or she was devised under the will instead

c

: the right of a party to a contract that has been breached by the other party to choose to continue or terminate the contract see also election of remedies, equitable election