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
Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026
That's because former mayor Steve Olson, whom Nelson defeated in the April 2023 election, launched a write-in campaign at the end of March.
—Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 8 Apr. 2026
Hugh Leask, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2026
If Iran continues to control the state, tolls could equate to $50 billion dollars per year, 80-90% of which would be paid by Gulf States, the Atlantic Council wrote in a new brief about the potential outcomes of the war.
—Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for write-in
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Noun
Several potential reforms could address this vulnerability, including allowing write-in candidates in general elections, automatically elevating the third-place primary vote-getter when a primary winner withdraws, or abandoning the top-two system entirely to restore party-nominating primaries.
—Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026
That's because former mayor Steve Olson, whom Nelson defeated in the April 2023 election, launched a write-in campaign at the end of March.
—Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 8 Apr. 2026
Verb
Airlines with stronger margin buffers, better fuel hedging, and lower direct operational exposure to the Middle East are among those expected to best weather the looming travel turmoil, Loredana Muharremi, equity analyst at Morningstar, wrote in a note on Wednesday.
—Hugh Leask, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2026
If Iran continues to control the state, tolls could equate to $50 billion dollars per year, 80-90% of which would be paid by Gulf States, the Atlantic Council wrote in a new brief about the potential outcomes of the war.
—Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 22 Apr. 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 25 Apr. 2026.
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