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 On February 25, the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, passed a resolution affirming Zelensky's presidency and mandating that elections cannot be held during periods of martial law. —Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025 After Trump’s election, the stock market initially rallied on Trump’s promise of less regulation and a pledge to cut corporate taxes from to 15% from 21%. —Bob Pisani, CNBC, 5 Mar. 2025 Trump defends trade war amid growing economic anxiety America's anxiety about rising food prices and other living expenses sat at the center of the 2024 election that catapulted Trump back into the White House. —Phillip M. Bailey, USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2025 The stabbing also came two days before Germany’s national elections on Sunday. —Brie Stimson, Fox News, 22 Feb. 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
  • This in and of itself seems standard fare for a business choice like this.
    — Aamina Inayat Khan, StyleCaster, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Although that stretch of Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré has been plagued by disruptions, due to its proximity to the Élysée presidential palace, the designer is confident in her choice.
    — Joelle Diderich, WWD, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of choice
Noun
  • For this reason, chicken may be a better animal protein option for managing cholesterol.
    — Johna Burdeos, Health, 5 Mar. 2025
  • One option for the single family homes will start in the high $300,000s and another will start in the low $400,000s.
    — Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of option
Noun
  • Halliday is a relative newcomer to the industry, though her film debut in the 2022 British feature Blue Jean earned her a BAFTA Scotland Award for best actress and a British Independent Film award nomination.
    — Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Those films spanned 17 categories and totalled a record 31 nominations.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 3 Mar. 2025
Definition of nomination
Noun
  • In the first round of voting, members vote to narrow down nominations, and oftentimes categories are only voted on by voting members of a specific corresponding branch—the actors branch votes for actor categories, the directors branch votes for director categories, and so on.
    — Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 2 Mar. 2025
  • The sample was weighted to be representative of adults nationwide according to gender, age, race, and education, based on the U.S. Census American Community Survey and Current Population Survey, as well as 2024 presidential vote.
    — Anthony Salvanto, CBS News, 2 Mar. 2025
Definition of vote
Noun
  • Andy Palmer faced similar decisions in his six years as CEO of Aston Martin and earned his Godfather of EVs nickname for pioneering the Leaf while global COO of Nissan.
    — Ben Oliver, Robb Report, 1 Mar. 2025
  • What works for one person in one situation often gets lost in translation, leaving teams to navigate critical decisions without a reliable blueprint.
    — Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025
Definition of decision
Noun
  • If all goes according to plan, Super Heavy will nestle into the launch tower's inviting arms once again, and Ship will fly much of the way around Earth before making a soft splashdown in the Indian Ocean off Western Australia.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 4 Mar. 2025
  • This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacramento Bee, 3 Mar. 2025
Definition of way
Noun
  • The wines also live up to the hype, and are presented to guests alongside a rotating selection of wines from around the world (e.g., grower Champagne).
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2025
  • While Tampa Bay is not in possession of a first-round selection until 2028, addressing the desire to go deep into the spring while addressing scoring depth on the forward ranks easily took precedent in making the deal.
    — Tom Layberger, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of selection

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Cite this Entry

“Election.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/election. Accessed 12 Mar. 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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