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

The governor and secretary of state’s offices did not provide any additional information about whether election officials elsewhere in California had been subpoenaed. — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 2026

Election Day won’t be the end of elections for both parties in the House, with new leadership races set to kick off immediately after the results are known. — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2026

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the right-wing Likud party fell short of gaining a 61-seat majority needed to control the Knesset as the election results were finalized. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 30 Oct. 2026

The judge also raised concerns the effort would disenfranchise eligible voters and create election chaos. — Jude Joffe-Block, NPR, 30 Oct. 2026