plurality
noun
plu·ral·i·ty
plu̇-ˈra-lə-tē 
plural pluralities
1
2
: pluralism sense 1
also
: a benefice held by pluralism
3
a
: a number greater than another
b
: an excess of votes over those cast for an opposing candidate
c
: a number of votes cast for a candidate in a contest of more than two candidates that is greater than the number cast for any other candidate but not more than half the total votes cast
Examples of plurality in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
For Garza, the economy is more significant, citing a poll conducted in May by sister organization LIBRE Institute that found the economy and jobs are the most pressing concern for a plurality of Latino voters at 47%, with another 35% naming inflation.
—
Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 18 Sep. 2025
Strong majorities of Democrats (66%) and Democratic-leaning Independents (73%), as well as a plurality of persuadable voters (47%), believe the Democratic Party is not doing enough to stand up to Trump and needs to fight harder.
—Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
Herzl shouted him down and insisted on political plurality.
—Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2025
Appreciate the plurality of their needs and segment them into the top three priorities.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for plurality
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Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 18 Sep. 2025
Strong majorities of Democrats (66%) and Democratic-leaning Independents (73%), as well as a plurality of persuadable voters (47%), believe the Democratic Party is not doing enough to stand up to Trump and needs to fight harder.
—Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
Herzl shouted him down and insisted on political plurality.
—Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2025
Appreciate the plurality of their needs and segment them into the top three priorities.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for plurality
Cite this Entry
“Plurality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plurality. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
plurality
noun
plu·ral·i·ty
plu̇-ˈral-ət-ē
plural pluralities
1
: the state of being plural or numerous
2
a
: the greater number or part
a plurality of the nations want peace
b
: the number of votes by which one candidate wins over another
c
: a number of votes cast for a candidate in a contest of more than two candidates that is greater than the number cast for any other candidate but is not more than half the total votes cast
Legal Definition
plurality
noun
plu·ral·i·ty
plu̇-ˈra-lə-tē
plural pluralities
: an amount or group (as of votes) that is greater than any other amount or group within a total but that is not more than half
especially
: a group of justices on an appeals court who do not form a majority but with whose opinion enough other justices concur to render it the decision of the court see also plurality opinion at opinion compare majority
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