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

Durbin's retirement leaves an opening in Senate Democratic leadership at a time when the party is searching for new leaders to chart its direction in the wake of the 2024 presidential election, when Republicans kept control of the House and flipped the Senate and White House. —Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025

The 2026 elections offer Democrats a chance to change the makeup of the Senate and House, with Republicans currently holding majorities in both chambers. Update 4/23/25, 12:37 p.m. —Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025

Both Imhoff and Robert will have to defend their seats in the 2026 council elections. —Matt Hubbard, Baltimore Sun, 23 Apr. 2025

After the 2026 elections, the whip position will be up for grabs. —Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing election

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

Rhymes for election

• abjection
• advection
• affection
• bijection
• bisection
• collection
• complexion
• confection
• connection
• connexion
• convection
• correction

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