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 Several Israeli sources with knowledge of the talks described a concerted shift when Trump swept back into power in the November election. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025 The election placed Muizzu in the middle of a tug-of-war between India and China for strategic access to a key area of the Indian Ocean for security monitoring and shipping. Rob Crossan, JSTOR Daily, 17 Jan. 2025 In this case, the special election will be November 2026, and the winner will remain in office until Vance's term was to expire. Ed O'Keefe, CBS News, 17 Jan. 2025 His scholarship focuses on public opinion, public policy, election science, and political economy. Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for election 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for election
Noun
  • Other Types of Hair Removal Electrolysis and laser hair removal aren't the only choices for removing unwanted hair.
    Cristina Mutchler, Health, 27 Jan. 2025
  • The Patagonia Men’s Better Sweater Chore Coat is a stylish choice for chilly flights at nearly $70 off the original price, while the Patagonia Men’s Isthmus Anorak is another must-have on-sale pick for $90.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Because there’s no active crane hunting season — sandhills aren’t even defined as a game bird in the state — farmers are left with two options.
    Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 17 Jan. 2025
  • The situation left no option for customers except to wait until SpaceX investigated and fixed the issues.
    Wendy Whitman Cobb, The Conversation, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • America is too vital for all these ridiculously shallow nominations.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 26 Jan. 2025
  • And within living memory, the Senate defeated the defense secretary nomination of John Tower in 1989.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 26 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • McConnell was joined by Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) in opposing Hegseth on the final vote — prompting Vice President JD Vance to deliver the tiebreaking vote.
    Elaine Mallon, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Former Fox News host Pete Hegseth was confirmed as Defense Secretary Friday night on a narrow vote in the U.S. Senate, a victory for President Donald Trump despite disturbing allegations about Hegseth’s conduct and questions about his fitness for the job.
    William Earl, Variety, 25 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Reality Check is a Star series holding those with power to account and shining a light on their decisions.
    Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Spoelstra said the decision to insert Larsson into the starting group was made in part to put defensive pressure on Lillard.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, affectionally known as Gigi, were on their way to a youth basketball game in Thousand Oaks, Calif. when their helicopter crashed, killing both of them as well as seven other passengers.
    C. Isaiah Smalls II, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2025
  • Canceling the contract left Lutz with no way to pay the mortgage on his chicken houses.
    Ames Alexander, Charlotte Observer, 26 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Below is some background on the region and tasting notes on a representative selection of Alto Adige wines.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Shop our top picks from Avia’s sneaker selection at Walmart — all under $25.
    Rachel Trujillo, Travel + Leisure, 18 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near election

Cite this Entry

“Election.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/election. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on election

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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