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 The post came one month after DeGeneres revealed the couple’s move was due to the 2024 presidential election results. Stephanie Wenger, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025 Papal elections, by contrast, are infrequent and rely on votes from cardinals who have sworn an oath of secrecy. Jack Murtagh, Scientific American, 11 Oct. 2025 Early voting had already begun in Virginia when the Jones drama broke, but voters have roughly three more weeks to cast a ballot before election day. Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 11 Oct. 2025 Porter clashed with host Julie Watts about whether Porter would need to win over Donald Trump voters to win the gubernatorial election. Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for election
Recent Examples of Synonyms for election
Noun
  • Use a frother to blend it with 4 ounces of water or milk (again, your choice) that’s cold, room temperature, or warm.
    Brianna Peters, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2025
  • While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The department’s actions and policies reflect a disdain for public schools and a desire to dismantle that system in favor of a range of other options — private, Christian and virtual schools or homeschooling.
    Megan O’Matz, ProPublica, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Swipe on over to our coverage of the best tablet sales from Prime Big Deal Days for more options.
    Jade Chung-Lee, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In addition to being popular with audiences, critics have also praised Bates’ performance, with the actress earning an Emmy nomination for outstanding lead actress in a drama series for the first season.
    Joe Otterson, Variety, 9 Oct. 2025
  • As for acting and producing, Gomez has won Emmys for Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building and earned a Golden Globe nomination for her performance in 2024’s Emilia Pérez.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The grand jury that approved the charges against Comey was divided, as 14 of the 23 jurors approved the two counts, just over the necessary 12-vote threshold.
    Jared Gans, The Hill, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Shareholders with voting rights get a vote at the annual general meeting on minor administrative matters — for example, the appointment of auditors or a change of bankers.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Hanke hastens to add that the administration hasn’t made any definitive decision on whether to back the strategy.
    Shawn Tully, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2025
  • There will be debates, for months, about manager Rob Thomson’s decision to ask Bryson Stott to bunt against a lefty reliever with no outs and the tying run on second base in the ninth inning.
    Matt Gelb, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 Oct. 2025
  • The Chiefs are back, just as quickly as they were dismissed, and that’s in more than ways than post-game one-liners exuding some confidence after a convincing 30-17 win against the red-hot Lions.
    Sam McDowell October 13, Kansas City Star, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • McSweeney’s elevation appeared bizarre, but Bailey and his selection team have openly stated their belief that the Test team should contain the best six batters regardless of position.
    Sam Dalling, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Each recommendation appears directly within the chat, and tapping a selection instantly opens the Spotify app for seamless listening.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Election.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/election. Accessed 13 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on election

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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