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 This year, coming in an election year as the mayor seeks a second term, went by more smoothly. Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 30 June 2025 Falling home prices are raising the risk of a deeper correction as the housing market cracks under high mortgage rates Jason Ma Newsletters New York’s tech elite are melting down over the election of Zohran Mamdani. Preston Fore, Fortune, 30 June 2025 Iranians will choose their future form of government in free and fair elections and anyone who wants to deny them this right is not part of the democratic opposition. Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2025 In November, Miami-Dade County voted Republican for the first time in a presidential election since 1988. Siena Duncan, Miami Herald, 22 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for election
Recent Examples of Synonyms for election
Noun
  • Restaurants and Bars Dining on Westerdam is all about choice.
    Susan B. Barnes, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2025
  • His sons’ career choices mirrored their father’s: Louis, the oldest, named after his dad, went into the Navy.
    Belinda Luscombe, Time, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • Luckily, so many great options just went on sale for the fourth of July, with brands like Sam Edelman, Steve Madden, and Tommy Hilifger coming in at new-low prices.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2025
  • That might mean building more recovery time into high-pressure roles, offering better internal mobility options, or training managers in better communication techniques.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • On Broadway, Thompson received a Tony nomination for his performance in August Wilson’s Jitney.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 1 July 2025
  • And he’s supported every conservative Supreme Court justice nomination before him.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • The tax and domestic policy bill nearing a vote by Senate Republicans includes hundreds of provisions, including extended and expanded tax cuts and significant cuts to Medicaid, food benefits and other programs.
    Alicia Parlapiano, New York Times, 30 June 2025
  • The issue, though, is that the liberals do not have enough votes to override Lamont’s vetoes.
    Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • Toward the end of our conversation, Victor touched on a recent decision to start moving in and out of pronouns.
    Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 29 June 2025
  • However, if James unexpectedly turns down the money to seek better title opportunities elsewhere — not a bad decision for the Lakers, honestly — then the ensuing roster chaos will not be the right time to make a change at the top.
    Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
Noun
  • Some of the best ways include the following: Garshick says that regular exfoliation, chemical or physical, helps to prevent the buildup of dead skin, and prevents the pores from becoming clogged.
    Audrey Noble, Vogue, 1 July 2025
  • That’s a curious trend for a team actively trying to change its overall culture in a positive way.
    Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • Fortunately, July 4th is rich with markdowns this year, ushering in an unparalleled selection of Hoka sneakers, hiking boots, and even slides with major price cuts to celebrate the long weekend.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 5 July 2025
  • Each week the Charlotte Observer will present a selection of images that document communities.
    The Pham July 4, Charlotte Observer, 4 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Election.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/election. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on election

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