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
Lyles successfully championed a 1% sales tax referendum after years of laying the groundwork.
—
Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
Voters approved similar referendums in 2018, 2012 and 2006.
—Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 10 Sep. 2025
One option is a general obligation park bond, which requires a referendum.
—Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2025
In November 1993, a county-wide referendum to lift the Sunday sales prohibition was defeated by a vote of 2 to 1 of all Bergen County voters, the township says.
—Saleen Martin, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for referendum
Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
Voters approved similar referendums in 2018, 2012 and 2006.
—Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 10 Sep. 2025
One option is a general obligation park bond, which requires a referendum.
—Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2025
In November 1993, a county-wide referendum to lift the Sunday sales prohibition was defeated by a vote of 2 to 1 of all Bergen County voters, the township says.
—Saleen Martin, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for referendum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for referendum
Noun
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The bill on Wednesday night survived a procedural vote on party lines.—
The Hill,
The Hill,
18 Sep. 2025
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Rule votes, historically a test of party loyalty, began to fail more regularly under the Kevin McCarthy and Johnson speakerships.—
Rachel Schilke,
The Washington Examiner,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
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When fluoridation was put on the ballot in 2021, 62% of voters supported its reintroduction.—
Anna Clark,
ProPublica,
18 Sep. 2025
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California is considering a ballot measure to empower its legislature to redraw districts in response, a move rebuked by former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who helped create the state's independent redistricting system more than a decade ago.—
MSNBC Newsweek,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Referendum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/referendum. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
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