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

Benny Gantz, who this week called for early elections and is widely considered a likely successor to Netanyahu as and when Israelis vote, is a member of Netanyahu’s war government. —Ivana Kottasová, CNN, 6 Apr. 2024

Kennedy’s comments echo rhetoric by Trump and his allies related to the 2020 election. —Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 6 Apr. 2024

On Wednesday, Benny Gantz, a member of Netanyahu’s war cabinet, and his main rival, called for elections in September. —Evan Osnos, The New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2024

Trillions of dollars in tax cuts enacted under Trump are slated to expire at the end of 2025, which means Congress will probably be working on tax policy next year regardless of who wins the elections. —Jacob Bogage, Washington Post, 6 Apr. 2024

In the run-up to the European Parliament elections across the bloc, the commission and some member states are becoming more receptive to pleas from business. —Ewa Krukowska, Fortune Europe, 5 Apr. 2024

Some parents like Allan Turner, who has children with special needs, questioned why the district isn’t waiting until after November to call the bond election, and why the bond doesn’t provide funds for teacher pay increases. —Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Apr. 2024

Mayes had previously said her investigation was focused on the 11 other Republicans who falsely certified after the 2020 election that Donald Trump had won. —Stacey Barchenger, The Arizona Republic, 5 Apr. 2024

The number of Democrats will further decrease with the election of state Rep. Marisabel Cabrera to the Milwaukee County Circuit Court on Tuesday. —Alison Dirr, Journal Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2024

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

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