election

noun

i-ˈlek-shən How to pronounce election (audio)
Definition of electionnext
1
as in choice
the act or process of selecting the election of a major is something that every college student has to do at some point

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in option
the power, right, or opportunity to choose at the country inn, breakfast in bed is entirely at the election of the guest

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Michigan is often regarded as a key swing state in the presidential race—with close margins in the past election and 15 electoral votes up for grabs. —Rebecca Schneid, Time, 29 May 2025 Along with forcing Republicans in swing districts to be more responsive to their constituents, Schneider said shifting public sentiment will go a long way toward bringing changes, if not immediately, by the 2026 election. —Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025 Many in the nation of 51 million are seeing light at the end of the tunnel as the June 3 election approaches. —William Pesek, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025 Why James Comey's Instagram post triggered federal response Comey was leading the FBI investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election when Trump fired him in May 2017. —Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 18 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for election
Recent Examples of Synonyms for election
  1. choice
  2. option
  3. nomination
  4. vote
  5. decision
  6. way
  7. selection
Noun
  • Goal of the season This was a choice between Bowen’s superb strike from outside the box against Ipswich and his volley against Forest.
    — Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • Automating Reputation Management Online reputation drives consumer choice, with 91% looking at online reviews before hiring a contractor.
    — Matthew Bentley, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Definition of choice
Noun
  • If a poor single woman who came to New York to work in an unstable low-wage job became pregnant out of wedlock, shame, stigma, poverty, lack of childcare options, and the anonymity of city living might lead her to leave her infant on a stoop.
    — Time, Time, 28 May 2025
  • Communication and play-making range will be worth monitoring from all options; Malik Mustapha is amid ACL recovery, and Talanoa Hufanga is in Denver.
    — Cam Inman, Sacbee.com, 28 May 2025
Definition of option
Noun
  • The album's success propelled Boone to new heights, including a Grammy nomination and a slate of high-level performances.
    — Grace Harrington, People.com, 27 May 2025
  • Kendrick Lamar leads the nomination tally with 10, followed by Post Malone with eight.
    — Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
Definition of nomination
Noun
  • The bill passed in the House by just one vote on May 22.
    — Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 26 May 2025
  • Kansas Supreme Court justices stand for retention votes every six years.
    — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 25 May 2025
Definition of vote
Noun
  • Reality Check is a Star series holding those with power to account and shining a light on their decisions.
    — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 24 May 2025
  • The three ultra moderates also voiced alarm at their colleagues’ decision to scale back the mayor’s plan for increasing hiring at the fire department.
    — David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2025
Definition of decision
Noun
  • At a time when many young people see college as the only way forward, veterans have already shown a willingness to choose their own path.
    — Adam Stone, USA Today, 27 May 2025
  • Sankey said the way the committee seems to weigh strength of schedule shortchanges the conference slate, which doesn’t include any teams among the lower half of the 134 NCAA FBS programs.
    — Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 27 May 2025
Definition of way
Noun
  • Their selection always includes highly sophisticated and distinctive films that have broadened my cinematic horizons.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 30 May 2025
  • Malone was graded a top five tackle by Pro Football Focus and just missed out on being an All-Big 12 selection after playing more than 900 snaps on offense.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 May 2025
Definition of selection

Browse Nearby Words

electing
election
elections
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Election.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/election. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on election

Nglish: Translation of election for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about election

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