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 Accountability extends beyond elections every four years; civic engagement should continue at the local level through town halls, state and local elections, and direct communication with policymakers. —Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025 Negotiations between the parties began soon after the German election in February, but ran into hurdles in recent weeks after initial strong progress with the talks prompting a major fiscal reform package. —Sophie Kiderlin, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025 The race, with the assist from Musk, has become the most expensive judicial election in American history, with more than $81 million in spending. —CBS News, 31 Mar. 2025 In presidential elections held last September, Wickremasinghe was handily defeated by Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who despite his Marxist revolutionary credentials has continued to implement reforms, and complied with IMF conditions in exchange for financial support. —Vasuki Shastry, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 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
  • With a user-friendly interface and rich features, Zoom has been the top choice for video calls.
    — Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • As manufacturers explore these new fill material options, Lenzing’s R&D and technical teams are on hand to help guide them through the right fiber choices and application suggestions.
    — SJ Studio, Sourcing Journal, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of choice
Noun
  • Secura French Press Secura French Press $36 Amazon Another budget-friendly option that still manages to look sleek, Secura’s French press performed similarly to the SterlingPro, but offers a matte black option in addition to a stainless steel finish.
    — Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Apr. 2025
  • And then the studio started coming up with other options.
    — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of option
Noun
  • The Sports Emmys season has kicked with the nominations for the 46th annual awards released today.
    — Patrick Hipes, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The nomination back in February was the first development in a busy 2025 for Idol so far.
    — Lily Moayeri, HollywoodReporter, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of nomination
Noun
  • Unsurprisingly, the Huskies (37-3) were a unanimous selection receiving all 31 first-place votes in the final poll of the year.
    — Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 7 Apr. 2025
  • The Senate approved that bill with the help of four Republican votes. — Kevin Breuninger 2 Hours Ago Trump orders new review of U.S. Steel deal Train cars are seen in front of the U.S. Steel Great Lakes Works plant in Michigan on Sept. 11, 2024.
    — Dan Mangan,Kevin Breuninger,Christina Wilkie,Michael Wayland,April Roach,Erin Doherty, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of vote
Noun
  • Freire defended his title twice before dropping a decision to Daniel Straus in November 2015.
    — Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • His statement posted on the UC Davis website included online links to available resources for campus community members impacted by the federal government’s decision to cancel these student visas.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of decision
Noun
  • Credit to Mattice for stepping up but there's nobody at 130 pounds getting in my way.
    — Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The best way to prevent type 2 diabetes is to shift toward a healthier lifestyle.
    — Julia Ries, Health, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of way
Noun
  • From cozy shearling to leopard print, Scandi labels, and a sprinkling of The Row, Lawrence sees herself through the seasons and elements in a various but curated selection of outerwear.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2025
  • In the end, however, Microsoft chose a selection double the length limit mentioned in the proposal.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 10 Apr. 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 16 Apr. 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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