Synonym Chooser

How does the noun election contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of election are alternative, choice, option, preference, and selection. While all these words mean "the act or opportunity of choosing or the thing chosen," election implies an end or purpose which requires exercise of judgment.

doing a tax return forces certain elections on you

When is it sensible to use alternative instead of election?

While the synonyms alternative and election are close in meaning, alternative implies a need to choose one and reject another possibility.

equally attractive alternatives

When might choice be a better fit than election?

While in some cases nearly identical to election, choice suggests the opportunity or privilege of choosing freely.

freedom of choice

When would option be a good substitute for election?

The meanings of option and election largely overlap; however, option implies a power to choose that is specifically granted or guaranteed.

the option of paying now or later

When is preference a more appropriate choice than election?

In some situations, the words preference and election are roughly equivalent. However, preference suggests a choice guided by one's judgment or predilections.

a preference for cool weather

When could selection be used to replace election?

The words selection and election can be used in similar contexts, but selection implies a range of choice.

a varied selection of furniture

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 election Simply put, the best case for Rose’s eventual election to the Hall of Fame is mercy. Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 16 May 2025 Another blow is struck when Mitterand’s party loses the midterm elections, bringing a right-wing government to power that has other plans for the famous cube. Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2025 But starting after Donald Trump won the presidential election in November, close associates of the mogul got to work on cozying up to Trumpland. Asawin Suebsaeng, Rolling Stone, 16 May 2025 The process of selecting a new pope involves a papal conclave, a private election held behind closed doors of Vatican City's Sistine Chapel where 135 cardinals vote on who will serve as the next the head of the Catholic Church. Sudiksha Kochi, USA Today, 4 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for election
Recent Examples of Synonyms for election
Noun
  • Impossible decision Nicole and Kyle then had a choice to make.
    Karen Weintraub, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • This modern and modular outdoor option comes in both a love seat and a three-seater-sofa sizing to best suit your back patio and 10 fabric choices.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • The Environmental Working Group’s Healthy Living app is another option.
    Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 17 May 2025
  • Death by a firing squad is an option in Idaho, although the state hasn’t carried out an execution since 2012.
    Jorge L. Ortiz, USA Today, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • Ron DeSantis is little more than a year removed from challenging Trump for the GOP presidential nomination only to get blown out in the Iowa caucuses and see his candidacy vanquished.
    David Catanese, Miami Herald, 14 May 2025
  • If these numbers persist, his path to the nomination may be shorter and smoother than expected—reshaping the dynamics of the race and putting pressure on rivals to consolidate support or risk elimination.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • The resolution will be brought to the entire DNC body for a final vote.
    Sudiksha Kochi, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • Trump had campaigned on ending taxes on Social Security benefits but that proposal would have run afoul of a special procedure Republicans are using to push through the tax law changes without any Democratic votes.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • Fighting will pause to allow for Alexander's safe passage, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, a day after Israel was told of Hamas' decision to free the last surviving U.S. hostage in Gaza as a goodwill gesture to President Trump.
    Jane Onyanga-Omara, USA Today, 13 May 2025
  • The school and Los Angeles Unified School District made the decision as the best way to get the campus re-opened after the Palisades fire.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • That should once again be a classic offensive showdown, a perfect way for NFL fans to wind down after eating lots of food.
    Seth Quinn, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
  • During these inspections, travelers may be questioned or their electronic devices looked through as a way to confirm their identity and reasons for being in the U.S.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • The biggest issue many will have will be Guardiola’s selection.
    Sam Lee, New York Times, 18 May 2025
  • One year later, Crow-Armstrong looks like a certain All-Star selection and is the talk of the town.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Election.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/election. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on election

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