as in vote
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.
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of referendum
Trump’s popular-vote plurality in an election that was framed as a referendum on democracy itself appeared to catch Democrats off guard.
—
W. James Antle Iii, The Washington Examiner, 13 June 2025
The Legislature specifically approved the project as a canal more than 40 years ago, but its opponents challenged it in a 1982 referendum and won.
—Dan Walters, Mercury News, 13 June 2025
Charlotte leaders hope to get the referendum on the ballot this year.
—Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 11 June 2025
In Britain’s 2016 Brexit referendum, 96% of voters in Gibraltar supported remaining in the EU.
—Lorne Cook, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for referendum
W. James Antle Iii, The Washington Examiner, 13 June 2025
The Legislature specifically approved the project as a canal more than 40 years ago, but its opponents challenged it in a 1982 referendum and won.
—Dan Walters, Mercury News, 13 June 2025
Charlotte leaders hope to get the referendum on the ballot this year.
—Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 11 June 2025
In Britain’s 2016 Brexit referendum, 96% of voters in Gibraltar supported remaining in the EU.
—Lorne Cook, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for referendum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for referendum
Noun
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But the agenda also includes a vote for these types of vaccines, offering a stronger signal that the CDC may alter its recommendations for flu vaccines.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
18 June 2025
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Needless to say, Ladson will be driving his truck to the next round after getting four big yes votes.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
18 June 2025
Noun
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Voters can return their ballot by mail or drop it off at one of 29 drop boxes located throughout the district.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 June 2025
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The group hopes to have the measure on voters’ ballots next year.—
Nicole Blanchard,
Idaho Statesman,
17 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Referendum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/referendum. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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