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 Palestinian voter turnout has gradually decreased over the past elections. Sam Metz, Arkansas Online, 26 Apr. 2026 The Ohio Republican Party chairman, Alex Triantafilou, dismisses Putsch's attacks as typical for a primary election. ABC News, 26 Apr. 2026 Democrats face their own election hurdles Trump's lack of focus has left Democrats optimistic, but the party is not without problems heading into the midterms. Justin Papp, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2026 My days are spent walking the halls of Congress and going over election data, not talking ball with players and coaches. Andrew Greif, NBC news, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for election
Recent Examples of Synonyms for election
Noun
  • Make one intentional choice with your money or time, and follow through fully.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Havertz is Julian Nagelsmann’s first-choice forward and, if fit, will surely start as part of a front three with Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala at the World Cup.
    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The others provide a variety of options to work in around them.
    Jon Machota, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Take your pick from several colors, including neutrals and more vibrant options.
    Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The committee is expected to approve Warsh and send his nomination to the full Senate.
    Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Polymarket, a reliable measure of conventional wisdom, has his odds of winning the nomination down below 40% from the November high near 60%.
    Ben Smith, semafor.com, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Nothing can be finalized until at least 23 of the league’s 30 owners vote at next month’s Board of Governors meeting, and tweaks to the various proposals are still expected to be made along the way.
    Sam Amick, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The Tampa Bay Rays are still striving for a Hillsborough County stadium vote in May, the team informed the county late last week.
    Nicolas Villamil, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • While Saudi Arabia and OPEC had no immediate reaction, Emirati Energy Minister Suhail al-Mazrouei insisted his country’s decision did not stem from any dispute with its Gulf neighbor.
    Jon Gambrell, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
  • This is basically every aerophobic flier’s worst nightmare, and Harlin does a solid job of maintaining the fear factor and shock right up to the moment of Rich’s decision to dump fuel and ditch, since the nearest airport, Guam, is out of range.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • In fact, going all the way back to 2010, more than half of large cap money managers underperformed the S&P 500.
    Terry Savage, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Fan-favorite players find ways to shine from the depths of the later rounds.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The Jaguars used their first pick of the NFL draft to land the blocking tight end Friday night, grabbing him in the second round with the 56th selection.
    Mark Long, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026
  • For value, need and performance, this is the Chiefs’ best selection so far.
    Sam Warren, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Election.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/election. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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