Synonyms of election

election

noun

i-ˈlek-shən 

1

as in choice

the act or process of selecting

the election of a major is something that every college student has to do at some point

Synonyms & Similar Words

• choice
• nomination
• decision
• selection
• appointment
• selecting
• choosing
• picking
• naming
• option
• designation
• assignment

2

as in option

the power, right, or opportunity to choose

at the country inn, breakfast in bed is entirely at the election of the guest

Synonyms & Similar Words

• option
• choice
• vote
• way
• alternative
• liberty
• preference
• selection
• pick
• discretion
• volition
• determination
• druthers
• voice
• will
• free will
• say
• judgment
• liking
• tendency
• inclination
• predilection
• partiality
• discernment
• propensity
• penchant
• proclivity
• perspicacity

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• force
• coercion
• duty
• obligation
• duress
• Hobson's choice

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

Recent Examples of election

Meanwhile, affordability, including the cost of healthcare, has become a key issue as the November midterm elections approach and Republicans fight to maintain slim majorities in the House and Senate. —Kate Dore, Cfp®, Ea,greg Iacurci, CNBC, 29 May 2026

After his election to a second term as U.S. president, Trump ousted the Kennedy Center’s previous Democratic board members and management team and installed himself as chairman. —Todd Spangler, Variety, 29 May 2026

May 29, 2026 at 6:00 a.m. EDT MADISON, Wis. — The FBI in recent weeks has interviewed current and former election officials about the 2020 election in Milwaukee, ramping up wide-ranging reviews of voting in the swing states that President Donald Trump lost that year. —Patrick Marley, Washington Post, 29 May 2026

Hours earlier, President Donald Trump signaled an agreement between the two sides wasn’t close, and that he would not be rushed by either international economic pressure or the political pressure of upcoming midterm elections. —Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 29 May 2026