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 of election

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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.
Tech firms were quick to abandon their once-proud commitments to diversity and defense of immigrants following the 2024 election and quietly acquiesced to Trump’s attacks on once-scared cows like higher education, free trade and the rule of law. —Jonathan Weber, Fortune, 19 May 2026 The Freedom Movement and Jansa's SDS were practically tied after the April 22 parliamentary election. —ABC News, 19 May 2026 This election is separate from the primary. —CBS News, 19 May 2026 Trump enjoyed more Black voter support than any Republican presidential candidate since Ronald Reagan's election in 1980, according to the Roper Center for Public Opinion Research at Cornell University. —Tamara Keith, NPR, 19 May 2026 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

electable
election
election cake
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Cite this Entry

“Election.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/election. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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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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