elect 1 of 3

verb

Definition of electnext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

elect

2 of 3

adjective

i-ˈlekt How to pronounce elect (audio)
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

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elect

3 of 3

noun

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

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of elect
Verb
The day before his successor as California’s governor is elected in the high stakes midterms, Gavin Newsom is going out with a bang. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 2 Nov. 2026 Because the Rams closed the half by charging 66 yards to score a touchdown on a five-play, 1-minute, 36-second drive immediately after the Chargers had elected to kick a field goal rather than go for it on fourth and two. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
Adjective
The National Rifle Association’s board of directors voted Monday to re-elect longtime CEO Wayne LaPierre, signaling that the gun rights group isn’t changing direction despite a rise in mass shootings and its own internal turmoil. — David Ingram, NBC News, 30 May 2022 The illusion of complete normality could prompt people to spend more and re-elect current politicians for office. — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 9 Apr. 2022
Noun
According to attorney Justin Smith, who is here today to represent mayor-elect Erickson, the board will begin the morning with ballots considered by the resolution board on Election Night. — Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 8 July 2026 But his situation is actually fairly complicated, in part because of how the Hall of Fame elects candidates. — James Mirtle, New York Times, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for elect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elect
  1. choose
  2. select
  3. best
  4. pick
  5. selected
  6. aristocracy
  7. preferred
  8. elite
Verb
  • Hormones aren’t the only treatments Some patients choose not to take full-body hormonal medications or are advised by their doctors to avoid them because of their medical histories or conditions.
    — Laura Ungar, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026
  • With so many electrolyte products out there, choosing the right one is a challenge in and of itself — and the answer really depends on your needs, Efird says.
    — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of choose
Adjective
  • Doesn't expire Up to 50% off The TJ Maxx clearance section is one of the best ways to snag a deal at the retailer, with up to 50% off select styles.
    — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Available now at Asos and select Adidas retailers, the latest collaboration revisits one of the German sportswear company’s most recognizable silhouettes, this time through a distinctly autumnal lens.
    — Camila Quimper, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of select
Noun
  • Lamb had 189 yards receiving on career bests of 21 targets and 17 catches.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Pugh’s performance is a master class in physicality and flair, one of her career bests.
    — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of best
Verb
  • Voters in Florida, Nevada and Wisconsin also picked their first Black governors while Texans selected their first Latina.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
  • To be fair to the Falcons, picking Georgia Tech to cover the spread at Pittsburgh was almost as dumb.
    — Michael Cunningham, AJC.com, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of pick
Adjective
  • In selected circumstances, private ownership can provide the time, capital and operating flexibility needed to reposition the business away from quarterly market pressure.
    — Chris Russo, Sportico.com, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Meanwhile, the first stage can handle different solid rocket motors for pre-selected range, speed, and performance profiles, as well as different booster types and other modular components.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of selected
Noun
  • There’s a luminous series of royal blue engravings presented with ornate flourishes, recalling styles favored by the French aristocracy.
    — Elisa Turner, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Antón Martín neighborhood, Golden Mile Apartment Madrid’s Salamanca district, where this home is located, was designed in the 19th century as a residential area for aristocracy and the like.
    — Katie Silcox, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of aristocracy
Adjective
  • When there must be some interlude of friction or a character needs to be brought low, The Gilded Age’s preferred mechanism is a dinner, ideally a fancy one with a complicated guest list and a variety of logistical obstacles.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Other interviewees remembered a time when families seeking husbands for their daughters preferred sons of party cadres; today, a man with access to foreign currency or a profitable business can be much more desirable.
    — Jieun Baek, Foreign Affairs, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of preferred
Noun
  • Laurin said politicians and political elites try to paint their opponents as extreme to frighten and fire up their voters.
    — Frank Langfitt, NPR, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Whatever reserves do exist would eventually run out, with members of the elite likely being prioritized.
    — JOEL WUTHNOW, Foreign Affairs, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of elite

Browse Nearby Words

elder statesmen
elect
elected
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Cite this Entry

“Elect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elect. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.

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