variants
or referendums
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
Wysong previously said May 22 is the deadline for finalizing ballot referendums for the August primary.
—
Tess Riski
april 23, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
But the move prompted blue states to respond by passing their own redistricting referendums, with California passing a map in November that could result in Democrats picking up five seats.
—Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 23 Apr. 2026
Ballot initiatives and referendums are increasingly seen as one of the last major vehicles to change state laws and congressional maps, often as a method to work around state lawmakers.
—Caroline Vakil, The Hill, 18 Apr. 2026
But the plan was scuttled when two 1998 referendums, one for the money and one for a rate increase, were narrowly voted down.
—Hank Beckman, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
Wisconsin voters headed to the polls on April 7 to elect a new state Supreme Court justice and make their choices for local offices and several school funding referendums.
—Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 8 Apr. 2026
The reports were mandated by voter referendums in 2022.
—Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2026
Twice in the last 12 years, California voters rejected referendums seeking to abolish the death penalty.
—Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 2 Jan. 2025
They’ve been supposed referendums on what Notre Dame football can be in the modern age.
—Pete Sampson, The Athletic, 2 Jan. 2025
Tess Riski
april 23, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
But the move prompted blue states to respond by passing their own redistricting referendums, with California passing a map in November that could result in Democrats picking up five seats.
—Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 23 Apr. 2026
Ballot initiatives and referendums are increasingly seen as one of the last major vehicles to change state laws and congressional maps, often as a method to work around state lawmakers.
—Caroline Vakil, The Hill, 18 Apr. 2026
But the plan was scuttled when two 1998 referendums, one for the money and one for a rate increase, were narrowly voted down.
—Hank Beckman, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
Wisconsin voters headed to the polls on April 7 to elect a new state Supreme Court justice and make their choices for local offices and several school funding referendums.
—Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 8 Apr. 2026
The reports were mandated by voter referendums in 2022.
—Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2026
Twice in the last 12 years, California voters rejected referendums seeking to abolish the death penalty.
—Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 2 Jan. 2025
They’ve been supposed referendums on what Notre Dame football can be in the modern age.
—Pete Sampson, The Athletic, 2 Jan. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for referenda
Noun
-
According to Friends of Big Bear Valley, Sandy received 30 student votes and Luna received 25.—
Cierra Morgan,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
-
Election officials are expected to place signs at polling locations informing voters of his death and that votes cast for Scott will not count.—
Greg Bluestein,
AJC.com,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
In Ohio, Georgia, Texas and beyond, voters across the country will cast ballots in a slew of elections.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
1 May 2026
-
Weber instead supports policies aimed at expanding participation among eligible voters, including vote-by-mail ballots and automatic registration.—
Melody Gutierrez,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Referenda.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/referenda. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
