Definition of electionnext

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 But less than two years later, Labour lost the most seats of any party in last week's regional elections. Chandelis Duster, NPR, 10 May 2026 Winners will have oversight of 2028 elections in swing states like Arizona, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. Dan Merica, Washington Post, 10 May 2026 Ahead of the June primary election, the Southern California News Group compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. Claire Wang, Oc Register, 6 May 2026 What the latest California governor race polls show A SurveyUSA poll released on Monday, May 4 found that 20% of voters would cast their ballot for Hilton if the primary election was held today. Paris Barraza, USA Today, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for election
Recent Examples of Synonyms for election
Noun
  • From the looming white-domed oven emerge the flakiest pies, feteer, built of gauzy layers of dough, pressed with ghee and stretched, then folded one inside another around your choice of filling.
    Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 11 May 2026
  • The Taurus Sun sextiles Jupiter in your 4th House of Home, making practical choices around security, family, or resources feel unusually constructive.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 10 May 2026
Noun
  • Later in the day, meditation sessions are also free for guests, one of the many options from the activity calendar that includes garden cricket, croquet, volleyball, basketball and bocce ball activities as well as core exercise and stretching classes.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 May 2026
  • Daniel de Visé Americans who traveled on the MV Hondius cruise ship will have the option to return home, rather than to a national quarantine center, if safety protocols permit, a top health official told CNN on Sunday.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 11 May 2026
Noun
  • The nomination signals Trump is backing away from promises to eliminate FEMA, as Hamilton joins a beleaguered agency depleted by staff departures and a 75-day DHS shutdown.
    Gabriela Aoun Angueira, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
  • Beaches, a nomination shut-out, was down $44,518 to $475,601, with attendance at the Majestic hovering around the 50% of capacity mark.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • After all, plenty of the lawmakers who voted for the bill got into office winning votes from a majority of those who cast ballots on election day, not a majority of all voters in their districts.
    Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 May 2026
  • If so, the effort would still require more than 5,000 signatures from residents across the county to be put to a vote, the outlet reported.
    Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 11 May 2026
Noun
  • And Tuesday, Cypress was able to manufacture a run in the seventh to leave him with a no decision.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
  • Parting ways with Morey was ultimately not an easy decision for the 76ers, but Philadelphia’s inability to take the next step in a constantly changing East played a significant role in the organization’s direction.
    Tony Jones, New York Times, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • Following Friday’s pregame festivities, Pedro Martinez made his way up to the press box and said standing on the field with his fellow club legends gave him goosebumps.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 9 May 2026
  • The Moon in Aquarius moves through your 12th House and trines Venus in Gemini, helping reflection and emotional clarity work in practical ways.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 9 May 2026
Noun
  • Here’s what to keep in mind when making your selection.
    Teagan Davidge, Oc Register, 10 May 2026
  • The pavilion and its organizers had attracted some criticism for their chaotic handling of the artist selection process.
    Fiona Sinclair Scott, CNN Money, 9 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Election.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/election. Accessed 14 May. 2026.

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