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
• judgement
• 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

If the election had gone the other way, a majority of Latin Americans would be living under authoritarian rule. —The New Yorker, New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2025

Republicans made inroads in Illinois in the 2024 presidential election, but any GOP candidate would start as a long shot. —Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 23 Apr. 2025

Canada’s national election is a test case, and the outcome will speak volumes. Follow me on Twitter. —Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025

The Trevor Project’s crisis lines experienced a nearly 700% increase in calls, texts, and chats on November 6 following the 2024 presidential election. —Abby Monteil, Them., 23 Apr. 2025