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 Goldman was far from the only prominent Democrat to withhold support from Mamdani during his general-election campaign. Russell Berman, The Atlantic, 7 June 2026 The landmark ruling removes legal uncertainty over the election process, stating that public order cannot be disrupted in the name of protest. ABC News, 7 June 2026 Concerns over California’s vote-counting process have persisted throughout the election cycle, with candidates competing in the state’s primary races raising questions about the pace of ballot tabulation. Kiara Moore, The Washington Examiner, 7 June 2026 Gonzales has served in the legislature since her election in 2018. Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 7 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for election
Recent Examples of Synonyms for election
Noun
  • The worst place at a factory to work for was always the screen-printing department—the hot metal and lacquer thinner produce pungent toxins that workers have no choice but to inhale.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 June 2026
  • The Fantasy 5 evening drawing popped up 5, 11, 15, 24 and 35, a popular choice by man and machine.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 7 June 2026
Noun
  • And in order to maintain a nutritious balance to each of these meals, consider adding cut-up vegetables (like celery or carrots) or fruit (strawberries or blueberries are easy options) to the plate.
    Stephanie Ganz, Parents, 7 June 2026
  • Whatever option the department lands on could cause more drama.
    Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 7 June 2026
Noun
  • Democrat Graham Platner is expected to win his party’s nomination despite growing scrutiny over allegations about his past treatment of women and a recent extramarital sexting scandal.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 9 June 2026
  • Joe Baldacci, a state senator, is seen as the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination and has the backing of House Democrats' campaign arm, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
    Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 9 June 2026
Noun
  • The question that loomed for days was whether fellow candidate and former reality TV star Spencer Pratt would advance to a runoff election, or if Raman would be able to edge him out for that spot as more votes were counted.
    Paris Barraza, USA Today, 9 June 2026
  • Monday’s 24,004 vote swing shows the measure has the momentum.
    Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 9 June 2026
Noun
  • Voter turnout was high for a primary election, and a significant share of voters cast ballots on or after Election Day, likely because many delayed making a decision in the governor’s race.
    Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 10 June 2026
  • Stephenson is not prepared to go into too much detail, but a decision on his next step has to be made.
    Andy Jones, New York Times, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • Just the way his approach is getting better and better every day.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 30 May 2026
  • Dodgers left-hander Justin Wrobleski shouted two words — the first of which didn’t appear to be fit for print — and strode off the mound, the icy expression on his face frozen in place all the way to the dugout.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
Noun
  • While HomeGoods is primarily known for its affordable, on-trend selection of furniture, decorative accents, kitchenware, and more, the chain retailer also boasts an incredible selection of delicious snacks that come from all across the globe.
    Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 6 June 2026
  • The bar will offer a selection of nonalcoholic drinks like passionfruit and blood orange elixir with soursop and tamarind and toasted peanut soda.
    Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 6 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Election.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/election. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.

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