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 In Miami: Miami elections will now be held in November in even years to coincide with state and national elections. —Miami Herald, 14 July 2025 White is facing a recall election, possibly as soon as next month. —Sam McDowell July 14, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2025 Trump alleged the poll amounted to election interference and a violation of the Iowa Consumer Fraud Act. —Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025 Party chair elections are rarely on the radars of high-level party leaders like governors and senators, Jones said, which can end up having unexpected outcomes. —Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 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
  • Its delightfully airy open floor plan was a bold choice when it was completed, at a time when contemporary house design favored a maze of walls and rooms.
    — AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 14 July 2025
  • But, for a minimalist, display-worthy option, this one’s a great choice.
    — Jamie Fischer, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2025
Definition of choice
Noun
  • Wayfair’s selection is packed with options such as this free-standing bathroom cabinet that offers a variety of organization options.
    — Rachel Trujillo, People.com, 14 July 2025
  • The combination of limited production capacity and expensive weapons sometimes constrained the government’s options.
    — Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
Definition of option
Noun
  • Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II San Clemente Handicap has attracted 29 nominations.
    — Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2025
  • Chapman has earned Bram Stoker and Shirley Jackson Award nominations for such horror novels as Wake Up and Open Your Eyes, What Kind of Mother, and Whisper Down the Lane.
    — Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 11 July 2025
Definition of nomination
Noun
  • Nessel's office has argued the group knowingly intended to defraud voters in Michigan by trying to cast electoral votes for Trump, despite his election loss in the state in 2020.
    — Arpan Lobo, Freep.com, 12 July 2025
  • Follow the directions and submit your vote before 2:30 a.m. ET.
    — Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
Definition of vote
Noun
  • Until this can be verified, the City Council must not come close to making any final decision.
    — U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2025
  • The legal advocacy group Center for Constitutional Rights criticized the decision, saying that without the plea agreements, the case will never be resolved.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 11 July 2025
Definition of decision
Noun
  • David’s way of wielding curiosity to get to common ground and policy that benefits the average American and the country’s leadership in the world – and his affable nature and good humor – will be sorely missed.
    — Joan Michelson, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
  • Yes, Sinner put the French Open behind him in the best way possible and demonstrated that his matchups with Alcaraz could delight tennis fans for years to come.
    — Howard Fendrich, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2025
Definition of way
Noun
  • There are reasons to find joy in and be proud of the selection of Manny Machado, who will start at third base for the National League in Tuesday’s game, right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. and relievers Jason Adam and Robert Suarez.
    — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 July 2025
  • To mark the occasion, the brand hosted an in-store event on Monday in the presence of chief executive officer Fabrizio Cardinali and its global brand ambassador and singer and actor Kaito Takahashi, along with a selection of guests hailing from the design, fashion and lifestyle communities.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 15 July 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 21 Jul. 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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