as in to choose
to decide to accept (someone or something) from a group of possibilities
I've elected to study French as my foreign language
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in select
singled out from a number or group as more to one's liking
this elect body of students represents the best that the nation's high schools have to offer
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in best
individuals carefully selected as being the best of a class
the members of this all-American team are the elect of collegiate football
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of elect
Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 28 Jan. 2026
Spygate and Deflategate scandals from his Patriots era reportedly influenced voters, though only three coaches have ever been elected to the Hall on first ballot.
—Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026
Tim Reynolds, ajc, 7 Nov. 2021
Voters chose to re-elect incumbents Daniel Ursu and Juanita Lewis.
—cleveland, 4 Nov. 2021
Judge Glock, Washington Post, 9 Jan. 2026
Johnson could relieve running back J’Koby Williams of his kick or punt return duties if Texas Tech elects to give him reps on special teams.
—Ty Kaplan, Dallas Morning News, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for elect
Verb
In 1994, he was elected to the Danish Parliament on reportledy unorthodox campaign promises.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 28 Jan. 2026
Spygate and Deflategate scandals from his Patriots era reportedly influenced voters, though only three coaches have ever been elected to the Hall on first ballot.
—Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
In some cases, those who are vaccinated but elect to not receive a booster would be subjected to game-day testing again starting Dec. 1, the NBA said.
—Tim Reynolds, ajc, 7 Nov. 2021
Voters chose to re-elect incumbents Daniel Ursu and Juanita Lewis.
—cleveland, 4 Nov. 2021
Noun
Abigail Spanberger, Virginia’s governor-elect, won the 2025 election through a singular focus on the state’s high cost of living, though her plans for reducing those costs were vague.
—Judge Glock, Washington Post, 9 Jan. 2026
Johnson could relieve running back J’Koby Williams of his kick or punt return duties if Texas Tech elects to give him reps on special teams.
—Ty Kaplan, Dallas Morning News, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for elect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elect
Verb
-
In some respects, a person might choose to use music therapy on their own, though I am mainly focused in this discussion on music therapy that is part of an overarching therapeutic plan being overseen by a professional clinician.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
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Cities that are satisfied with the service that DART provides could choose to forgo the 25% return and let the transit agency use the funds.—
Lilly Kersh,
Dallas Morning News,
24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Virgin Voyages Deals on select itineraries The cruise line is offering 80% off the second guest; up to $400 in free drinks; $300 in onboard credit on select itineraries; includes sailings to the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska, and the carrier’s Eclipse Voyages later this summer.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
24 Jan. 2026
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For example, the lottery on October 1, 2022, could have been manipulated by corrupt officials who fixed the numbers before the draw in order to share the winning outcome with a select few.—
Manon Bischoff,
Scientific American,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
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There were old ladies’ sequin dresses and their Sunday best.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
20 Jan. 2026
-
Two editors selected it as the overall best.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
17 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Then, later that week while playing pick-up basketball, his season came crashing down.—
Marielle Mohs,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Add 5 garlic cloves, finely chopped, and 2 small sprigs thyme, leaves picked, and cook, stirring often, until radicchio is softened and wilted, 5–8 minutes.—
Shilpa Uskokovic,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The selected cohort—Diamond Batiste, Ciara Boniface, Jeremy Hsing, Alejandra López and Brittany Alexia Young—were chosen from nearly 1,000 submissions, placing them at the forefront of a new chapter in cinematic storytelling.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
23 Oct. 2025
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The selected resident will receive a year-long immersive experience, both living and working at Trilith while developing their original project with the guidance of industry professionals.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
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This time, Industry unfolds as a sharp, uncomfortable on-the-nose commentary of modern politics, media, technocrats and the seemingly-immovable aristocracy of British society.—
Chloe Laws,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Jan. 2026
-
To paraphrase a member of the European aristocracy, even Louis Vuitton and Bravo casting directors make mistakes.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Southwest is selling tickets at fares with different seating choices, including standard seats assigned at check‑in or paid preferred and extra‑legroom seats selected at booking.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
26 Jan. 2026
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Those numbers, above the Fed’s preferred 2% mark, foreshadow a lack of movement in interest rates this week.—
Megan Poinski,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
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But since then Boston has loaded up, with Garrett Crochet, Ranger Suarez, Sonny Gray and Bello expected to lead a staff that could rank among the game’s elite.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
24 Jan. 2026
-
Sayler noted that Steele has spoke about Miami becoming similar to Gonzaga, a mid-major program that is now among the nation’s elite.—
Tim Casey,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Elect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elect. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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