referenda

variants or referendums
plural of referendum
as in votes
an event in which the electorate votes for or against a law that deals with a specific issue They are having a referendum so the public can decide the controversial issue.

Related Words

Relevance

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 referenda Menozzi explained that seasonal cabin owners, who cannot vote on operating referendums, would not be affected by the new levy. Tom Fraki, Twin Cities, 14 July 2026 Their side has prevailed in 14 referendums over the same period. ABC News, 13 July 2026 After a brief debate that focused on procedure over substance, aldermen blocked consideration of Johnson’s millionaire tax and property tax relief fund referendums. Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026 Through these referendums, voters can weigh in on construction bans, tax incentives and zoning ordinances. Rachel Mural, Fortune, 21 June 2026 Days after shelving a plan to redraw Georgia’s political maps, Republican lawmakers in the state Legislature are pivoting to property taxes with an ambitious strategy to put more than a hundred tax-cutting referendums on the ballot this November in a move that could boost GOP turnout. David Wickert, AJC.com, 19 June 2026 Through these referendums, voters can weigh in on construction bans, tax incentives and zoning ordinances. Rachel Mural, The Conversation, 18 June 2026 Migration remains divisive issue Swiss democracy gives voters a direct say in policymaking through referendums typically held four times a year. Jamey Keaten, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026 Turnout was about 59%, well above the recent average of 48% for Swiss referendums. CNN Money, 14 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for referenda
Noun
  • The resolution also includes a clause requiring a supermajority of five votes if the county is to participate in future TADs.
    Shaddi Abusaid, AJC.com, 16 July 2026
  • Now a party that will rely on women’s votes in the midterms is trying to figure out its boundaries in how male candidates talk about, and to, women, after conservative backlash to tightening norms for workplace behavior.
    Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 15 July 2026
Noun
  • Last month’s board election was tainted by forged ballots, including one with a voter’s name misspelled.
    Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
  • The Democrat is battling Bianco in a separate case now before the California Supreme Court over the sheriff’s move to seize ballots earlier this year.
    Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Referenda.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/referenda. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on referenda

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!