as in vote
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.
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of referendum
In 1933, a national referendum resulted in the passage of the 21st amendment, which repealed prohibition.
—
Arkansas Online, 10 May 2025
The panel may consider adding new homestead exemptions and requiring every municipality to hold separate voter referendums on their property tax rates — or other ideas.
—Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 May 2025
The choice could be something of a referendum on the progressive policies of Pope Francis, but primarily the conclave is seeking a pope who will unite the church, preach peace and serve as both a pastor and teacher.
—Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 6 May 2025
Ewing criticized Stothert’s support for President Donald Trump and turning the local race into a referendum on the national Republican platform.
—Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for referendum
Arkansas Online, 10 May 2025
The panel may consider adding new homestead exemptions and requiring every municipality to hold separate voter referendums on their property tax rates — or other ideas.
—Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 May 2025
The choice could be something of a referendum on the progressive policies of Pope Francis, but primarily the conclave is seeking a pope who will unite the church, preach peace and serve as both a pastor and teacher.
—Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 6 May 2025
Ewing criticized Stothert’s support for President Donald Trump and turning the local race into a referendum on the national Republican platform.
—Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for referendum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for referendum
Noun
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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
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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
Noun
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In November, the U.S. Supreme Court declined the GOP’s emergency request to intervene as ballots were being cast.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
7 June 2025
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To truly fix the mess that all this regulation and government intervention has created, California must eliminate rate approval requirements and repeal Proposition 103, which would require another ballot measure.—
Adam Summers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Referendum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/referendum. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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