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 Some called it a blatant act of interference in the German elections, which were then about a week away. Simon Shuster/berlin, TIME, 22 Feb. 2025 Bitcoin and crypto have soared since the election of U.S. president Donald Trump (though the rally has lost momentum, potentially signalling a serious stock market crash). Billy Bambrough, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025 Our survey took place during the intense 2024 presidential election season when anti-immigrant rhetoric was prevalent. Deborah Omontese, The Conversation, 21 Feb. 2025 The timeline is important because the mayoral election will take place this year. John Bacon, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for election
Recent Examples of Synonyms for election
Noun
  • Many Cybertruck social media groups contain examples of drivers being targeted for their vehicle of choice, while news reports show multiple dealerships have been victimized by anti-Musk vandals, USA TODAY reported.
    Chris Mueller, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025
  • So then the Pixies choice eventually evolved into Living Colour.
    Billboard Staff, Billboard, 20 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Buk Clinic Another leading option located in Istanbul, Buk Clinic provides patients with exceptional care through minimally invasive techniques.
    Ethan Stone, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2025
  • Almost everyone has had the experience of propping up their phone while cooking and trying to follow a recipe, so Apple designed recipe functionality that allows for users to search by ingredient, by length of time to complete the meal, simplicity, type of cuisine, and a slew of other options.
    Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The scripted comedy spoof featuring Bowen Yang, Jane Lynch, Shannon Woodward, Cynthia Nixon, Ian McKellen grabbed four nominations, including a mention for podcast of the year.
    William Earl, Variety, 19 Feb. 2025
  • The event, which will air exclusively on July 8, 2025, is now accepting nominations, which can be submitted at Gayming’s website.
    Matt Gardner, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Some college presidents decide to weather the storm, hoping to placate enough constituents so that the motion fails for a lack of votes.
    Shaun Richman, New York Daily News, 18 Feb. 2025
  • Notre Dame received 16 of a possible 30 first-place votes with Texas earning eight and UCLA maintaining six.
    Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 17 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The brief cites the Supreme Court decision that gave Trump immunity from criminal prosecution and reflected a muscular view of executive power.
    DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFF FROM WIRE REPORTS, arkansasonline.com, 17 Feb. 2025
  • City Councilmember Jennifer Campbell, whose district includes Mission Bay, said the organizers must suffer the consequences of their bad decisions.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • And as of October, a craft from the European Space Agency is on the way to get an up-close look at the asteroid's remnants.
    Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025
  • The Impeccable Blurring Second-Skin Matte Foundation claims to blur imperfections across the skin in a seamless and natural way.
    Maya Gandara, StyleCaster, 19 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • His exhibition will feature 25 contemporary pieces, many of which will debut at the fair and which will presented alongside a selection of the historical Mughal jewels and objects from the family collection that inspired them.
    Anthony DeMarco, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025
  • And there’s a glorious selection of rental homes and condos situated on both the ocean and the harbor.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 22 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Election.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/election. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on election

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