as in vote
an event in which the electorate votes for or against a law that deals with a specific issue
They are having a referendum so the public can decide the controversial issue.
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Recent Examples of referendum
Johnson and his allies were key backers of the Bring Chicago Home referendum that sought to increase taxes on real estate transfers over $1 million to raise $100 million annually earmarked to address homelessness.
—
Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026
He was declared the winner of the vote in December, which was boycotted by the coalition opposition party following a 2023 constitutional referendum that removed term limits and increased the presidential term from five to seven years.
—ABC News, 30 Mar. 2026
Every nine innings is not some sort of referendum on these Phillies, but it’ll be treated as such because the expectations are so high and the narratives so entrenched.
—Matt Gelb, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026
Yet, providing financial assistance for first-time homebuyers — another core part of the referendum — drew just 38% of people ranking it as extremely important or very important.
—Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for referendum
Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026
He was declared the winner of the vote in December, which was boycotted by the coalition opposition party following a 2023 constitutional referendum that removed term limits and increased the presidential term from five to seven years.
—ABC News, 30 Mar. 2026
Every nine innings is not some sort of referendum on these Phillies, but it’ll be treated as such because the expectations are so high and the narratives so entrenched.
—Matt Gelb, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026
Yet, providing financial assistance for first-time homebuyers — another core part of the referendum — drew just 38% of people ranking it as extremely important or very important.
—Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for referendum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for referendum
Noun
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After a lawsuit accused the college’s board of trustees of violating Florida’s public transparency laws, the school took a new vote in December — clearing the way for the state to transfer the land.—
Claire Heddles,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
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The Baseball Writers’ Association of America ultimately acknowledged the gap, as Judge took home 17 first-place MVP votes, his second consecutive MVP, and the third of his career.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Everyone is talking about the potential property tax cuts that may soon be on Florida voters’ ballots.—
Michelle Marchante,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
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Few would dissent that Shakira is the most famous person on this year’s ballot, and immense, global popularity has to count for something (400,000 people went to her free concert in Mexico City earlier this year — not a typo).—
Devon Ivie,
Vulture,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Referendum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/referendum. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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