ELECTION Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

election

noun

i-ˈlek-shən

Definition of election

as in choice

the act or process of selecting the election of a major is something that every college student has to do at some point

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in option

the power, right, or opportunity to choose at the country inn, breakfast in bed is entirely at the election of the guest

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Kimberley DiDonato, 60, of Rose Township, was charged with one count each of election forgery and using a computer to commit a crime during April 2024. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026 The misses come as more money than ever is flowing into the electoral process, underscored by the emergence of prediction markets opening up widespread betting on elections. — Garrett Downs,davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2026 Joshua Kushner reportedly donated $250,000 to the Growth Democrats political action committee during the 2024 election cycle. — Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 13 Aug. 2026 For one, primary elections often have many more undecided voters, and people pay much less attention to the races — meaning those who have not made up their minds headed into election day can be easily persuaded. — Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for election

Recent Examples of Synonyms for election

Noun

During the Asian Cup earlier this year in Australia, many Iranian women’s players were faced with the tough choice to either defect or return to a warzone.

— Emily Olsen, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026
The company mainly recommends this choice to enterprises, not consumers.

— Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of choice

Noun

The hotel also has a helicopter pad, so those interested in exploring the other islands by air rather than by boat have that option, too.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
Iraola has only Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo, Rio Ngumoha, and Victor Munoz as realistic forward options, with Lewis Koumas and Federico Chiesa offering the next layer of support.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of option

Noun

Democratic socialist Francesca Hong lost in a landslide to David Crowley and the other moderate candidates for the nomination.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
Meanwhile in Michigan last week, prediction markets showed El-Sayed with greater than 90% odds to win the Democratic nomination for Senate before polls closed, despite his very narrow victory.

— Garrett Downs,Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of nomination

Noun

Amigo swept both the four-judge jury and the public Facebook vote for a flawless costume entry with a knight-like look.

— ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
The new assignments could give Harris-Dawson a base of support the next time there’s a vote on his presidency.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of vote

Noun

World soccer governing body FIFA, which organizes the World Cup, said immigration decisions were the purview of host countries for the tournament.

— Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
And, Congress declined to maintain subsidies that Americans buying coverage through health insurance exchanges receive, a decision that has already caused many to let their coverage lapse.

— Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of decision

Noun

Carrick using Mbeumo as a centre-forward is not new — but the way United’s forward line is gelling around him is.

— Cerys Jones, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
By doing it this way, the kids had to put some thought into which items meant the most to them, and there were no complaints afterward.

— R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of way

Noun

Between Hutson and Ilya Protas, Washington features two of the best value selections in the league currently.

— Corey Pronman, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
The tension was heightened by a controversial USC debate selection process that would have resulted in no candidates of color taking the stage.

— Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of selection

Browse Nearby Words

electing

election

elections

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“Election.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/election. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of election

noun

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