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 Republicans have made several attempts to overhaul how the state runs its elections, fueled after the 2020 election by Trump's false claims about Wisconsin's system of elections and criticism of policies adopted to navigate hurdles presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Jessie Opoien, jsonline.com, 26 July 2025 The governor now can call a special election to fill Mitchell’s seat. Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 26 July 2025 During the apartheid era, which ended with the first democratic elections in 1994, South Africa maintained a racially segregated society with separate schools, neighborhoods and public facilities for people classified as Black, coloured, White or Asian. Ted Hesson, USA Today, 26 July 2025 If the mayor and his bloc won’t act, voters will in the next election. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 15 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for election
Recent Examples of Synonyms for election
Noun
  • The city's choice to close fewer homeless camps in recent years differs from some communities that have banned public camping and a new Trump directive to remove people from the streets.
    Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 26 July 2025
  • With more injuries than several teams combined, the Los Angeles Dodgers have no choice but to add to their bullpen at the trade deadline.
    Drew VonScio, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
Noun
  • The combination of limited production capacity and expensive weapons sometimes constrained the government’s options.
    Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
  • The Colorado college town beat out Cincinnati and Salt Lake City after the festival brass started exploring relocation options in 2024, with Boulder chosen for its mountain views reminiscent of Park City’s own as well as its vibrant arts community.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Seehorn's turn on the show, as fellow lawyer Kim Wexler, earned her two Emmy nominations throughout its six-season run between 2015 and 2022.
    EW.com, EW.com, 25 July 2025
  • Mangione was also a Grammy winner, taking home two of his 14 total nominations.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 24 July 2025
Noun
  • The chair is just one of 12 votes, and the Fed’s rotating voting panel, which took a slightly hawkish turn this year, will shift again in 2026.
    Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 24 July 2025
  • House lawmakers ran to catch flights Wednesday afternoon -- leaving for their August recess a day early -- without taking a substantive vote on releasing the Epstein files.
    John Parkinson, ABC News, 24 July 2025
Noun
  • The plummeting price could be attributed to OPEC’s decision to heavily increase production in May, June, and July of this year.
    David Trainer, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • The Kansas City Royals aren't far out of playoff contention, but with a congested race in the American League, some teams will have to make tough decisions very soon.
    Hunter Mulholland, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025
Noun
  • Or the ways that the Reyes family has lived in fear since Jose and his father were detained in early May.
    Austin Hornbostel, The Tennessean, 26 July 2025
  • The task force would submit a report with recommendations to the state Legislature after examining the systemic causes of violence against African American women and girls, ways to help victims' families heal, methods to track data to understand the scope of the issue and more.
    Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 26 July 2025
Noun
  • Customers can purchase or rent a selection of media titles from Prime Video without having an Amazon Prime or Prime Video account.
    Kaycee Sloan, The Enquirer, 30 July 2025
  • Earlier this year, Inyo announced their selection of Aeva as the exclusive LiDAR supplier for its upcoming autonomous shuttle program.
    Richard Bishop, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Election.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/election. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on election

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