election

noun

elec·​tion i-ˈlek-shən How to pronounce election (audio)
Synonyms of electionnext
1
a
: an act or process of electing
the election of a new governor
b
: the fact of being elected
her election to the Senate
2
: predestination to eternal life
3
: the right, power, or privilege of making a choice

Synonyms

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Choose the Right Synonym for election

choice, option, alternative, preference, selection, election mean the act or opportunity of choosing or the thing chosen.

choice suggests the opportunity or privilege of choosing freely.

freedom of choice

option implies a power to choose that is specifically granted or guaranteed.

the option of paying now or later

alternative implies a need to choose one and reject another possibility.

equally attractive alternatives

preference suggests a choice guided by one's judgment or predilections.

a preference for cool weather

selection implies a range of choice.

a varied selection of furniture

election implies an end or purpose which requires exercise of judgment.

doing a tax return forces certain elections on you

Examples of election in a Sentence

He's favored to win the election. The scandal may affect his chances for election. Her election to the Senate was a surprise to many.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Participation in municipal elections jumped by about 10 percentage points once mail voting was widely adopted, according to a study by Brigham Young University. — arkansasonline.com, 18 Mar. 2025 Dominican man without legal status accused of falsely registering to vote in Broward A Dominican man without U.S. legal status registered to vote in Broward County to cast a ballot in the 2022 midterm elections in Florida, according to federal charges. — Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2025 Other protesters voiced support for Călin Georgescu, a pro-Kremlin candidate who was the front-runner in December's election which was canceled by a top court. — David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025 The stock, which just five months ago was riding high on the heels of President Donald Trump’s election win, has seen analysts sour on its prospects in recent weeks. — Brian Evans, CNBC, 17 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for election

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of election was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing election

Rhymes for election

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Browse Nearby Words

election
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Cite this Entry

“Election.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/election. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

election

noun
elec·​tion i-ˈlek-shən How to pronounce election (audio)
1
: an act or process of electing
especially : the process of voting to choose a person for office
the election of a new governor
2
: the fact of being elected
her election to the presidency

Legal Definition

election

noun
elec·​tion
1
a
: the act or process of electing
b
: an instance of the electorate voting for candidates for an elective office
c
: the fact of being elected
2
: the right, power, or privilege of making a choice: as
a
: the right of a spouse to choose a statutorily prescribed amount of a deceased spouse's estate or whatever was devised to him or her under the will
b
: the right of a person who has an interest in property that a deceased has disposed of by will either to claim his or her right to the property or to accept what he or she was devised under the will instead
c
: the right of a party to a contract that has been breached by the other party to choose to continue or terminate the contract see also election of remedies, equitable election

More from Merriam-Webster on election

Nglish: Translation of election for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about election

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