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 Attorneys for Peltola's campaign last Friday sued state elections officials, seeking a list of voters whose absentee ballots have been rejected and the reasons for the rejections. — Arkansas Online, 13 Nov. 2026 And with a budget and an election coming up, Chicago is openly debating the best way to improve public safety. — Arne Duncan, Chicago Tribune, 13 Nov. 2026 Expand the Child Tax Credit The recent election showed that the overriding issue in America today is affordability. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Nov. 2026 The interim lower house has 69 members, compared with 350 in the regular parliament, which was dissolved when the election was called. — ABC News, 12 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for election
Recent Examples of Synonyms for election
Noun
  • Mercury retrograde in Scorpio supports reconsidering the choice.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Many health communicators assume that those who learn the facts will pursue healthier choices.
    — Jessica Fishman, STAT, 10 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Kurtz also pointed to declines in cities like San Francisco, which is moving to support more sober-living options, housing that bans drugs and alcohol.
    — Jennifer Ludden, NPR, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Treatments include facials and body treatments from 111Skin, myBlend and Dr Burgener, plus the option to book a private spa suite or saline bath.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Ross’s depiction of the jazz singer garnered her a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination, among other accolades.
    — Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 10 Nov. 2026
  • On the dancehall side, Buju Banton (who won here in 2011 for Before the Dawn) could pick up a nod for Too Too Bad, while Masicka has the new school’s best shot at nomination here with Forever Reign.
    — Kyle Denis, Billboard, 10 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • After more than a week of counting outstanding, absentee ballots and affidavit — or provisional — ballots, Colom won the closest Senate race in the country by just a few thousand votes.
    — Elena Moore, NPR, 12 Nov. 2026
  • O’Hare lost to Democratic challenger Alisa Simmons by 91,000 votes, 13 percentage points.
    — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Public voting accounts for 10% of the final decision, with a selection panel determining the winner.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Every lineup decision matters more than ever, so let’s dive into the Week 10 matchups and find the players who can give your team an edge.
    — Jonathan Rubin, Charlotte Observer, 11 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • This also had a boat trip included, a lovely way to cool off after a day walking Barcelona’s lanes.
    — Jaymi McCann, TheWeek, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Charlotte won the rebound battle 51 to 44, but left the Pistons open way too often and were sloppy with the ball, committing 25 turnovers.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 3 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Investigations should examine eligibility rules, selection practices, and institutional relationships rather than treating every demographic disparity as proof of wrongdoing.
    — Ilya Shapiro, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Holt Renfrew shoppers can also purchase a selection of caviars, including Baeri, Kaluga, and Royal Ossetra varieties along with mother-of-pearl caviar spoons, ceramic ashtrays, and other collectibles.
    — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 7 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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