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
  • Romantics will almost certainly be drawn to a full moon, but during its 29.5-day cycle, going from one new moon to the next, our satellite offers up plenty of other choices.
    — Joe Rao, Space.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
  • One option was to book more celebrities or care about Instagram followers.
    — Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 28 May 2025
Definition of option
Noun
  • Based on a 2021 short which scored a Mexican Academy Ariel Award nomination.
    — John Hopewell, Variety, 7 June 2025
  • Her other Broadway credits include The Apple Tree in 2006, Promises, Promises in 2010 and On the Twentieth Century in 2015, which earned her a third Tony Award nomination.
    — Nicholas Rice, People.com, 7 June 2025
Definition of nomination
Noun
  • The studio relies on an unconventional model where projects are greenlit by the Angel Guild, a community of over 1 million members who pay monthly dues and vote on which projects move forward.
    — Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
  • The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies approved on June 5 the fiscal year 2026 spending proposal in a 9–7 vote, sending it to the full Committee.
    — Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
Definition of vote
Noun
  • In the 2025 General Assembly session, lawmakers passed legislation aiming to mitigate potential disruptions in the state marketplace due to federal decisions.
    — Danielle J. Brown, Baltimore Sun, 6 June 2025
  • Financially, Venus in Taurus also encourages you to invest wisely, specifically in what will bring long-term value, whether that’s adding quality pieces to your wardrobe or making smart financial decisions.
    — Valerie Mesa, People.com, 5 June 2025
Definition of decision
Noun
  • And one of the fastest ways to lose it is poor communication.
    — Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
  • Add Insulation Insulation may also be one of the culprits that's overheating your garage, especially since garages usually aren't insulated all the way around.
    — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 7 June 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
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Cite this Entry

“Election.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/election. Accessed 10 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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