elect 1 of 3

verb

Definition of electnext
as in to choose
to decide to accept (someone or something) from a group of possibilities I've elected to study French as my foreign language

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elect

2 of 3

adjective

i-ˈlekt How to pronounce elect (audio)
as in select
singled out from a number or group as more to one's liking this elect body of students represents the best that the nation's high schools have to offer

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elect

3 of 3

noun

as in best
individuals carefully selected as being the best of a class the members of this all-American team are the elect of collegiate football

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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 elect
Verb
Omar, who was first elected to the House in 2018, is the first Somali-American in Congress. — ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026 Omar has long been a target for Republicans Omar, who was first elected to the House in 2018, represents Minnesota’s 5th District, including Minneapolis. — Eric Tucker, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
Adjective
The National Rifle Association’s board of directors voted Monday to re-elect longtime CEO Wayne LaPierre, signaling that the gun rights group isn’t changing direction despite a rise in mass shootings and its own internal turmoil. — David Ingram, NBC News, 30 May 2022 The illusion of complete normality could prompt people to spend more and re-elect current politicians for office. — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 9 Apr. 2022
Noun
According to attorney Justin Smith, who is here today to represent mayor-elect Erickson, the board will begin the morning with ballots considered by the resolution board on Election Night. — Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 8 July 2026 But his situation is actually fairly complicated, in part because of how the Hall of Fame elects candidates. — James Mirtle, New York Times, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for elect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elect
  1. choose
  2. select
  3. best
  4. pick
  5. selected
  6. aristocracy
  7. preferred
  8. elite
Verb
  • Starting with a silhouette and buckle, clients choose among materials including satin, leather, patent and suede, as well as colors and finishes.
    — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The hotel has a total of 59 rooms and suites, residences, villas, and houses for guests to choose from, including a few options in the original farmhouse, or stancija.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of choose
Adjective
  • John Fogerty, rising singer-songwriter Emma Ogier, and others are slated to open on select dates.
    — Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2026
  • In practice, that means defaults can differ meaningfully between full-service and select-service properties within the same loyalty portfolio.
    — Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of select
Noun
  • Lamb had 189 yards receiving on career bests of 21 targets and 17 catches.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Pugh’s performance is a master class in physicality and flair, one of her career bests.
    — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of best
Verb
  • The broadcaster and champion of the high street, who transformed the fortunes of Harvey Nichols, picks her favourites.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 16 Oct. 2026
  • While the three were picking their way through a clump of trees at the far end of the cornfield, half a dozen does came out of the willows single file, walked under my platform within six yards of me, and started to feed.
    — Al Dawson, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of pick
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, the first stage can handle different solid rocket motors for pre-selected range, speed, and performance profiles, as well as different booster types and other modular components.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The Pope Leo Village Homes initiative is underway in Bronzeville with five of the seven area homes under construction and two with selected homeowners.
    — Everett Eaton, jsonline.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of selected
Noun
  • Of course, one entertainer who isn’t in that category would seem to be a natural fit for Arrowhead — the one who has married into Kansas City’s aristocracy.
    — Dan Kelly, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The ‘Baronessa’ was Venetian aristocracy and lived in a vast rococo palace with Guardis and Canalettos in the drawing room.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of aristocracy
Adjective
  • An Ipsos poll out Friday finds that a majority, or about 51% of the population, say chocolate is their preferred Halloween candy of choice.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Poland never underestimated Russia threat watch now Choose CNBC as your preferred source on Google and never miss a moment from the most trusted name in business news.
    — Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of preferred
Noun
  • Reynolds transformed a young Pacific Islander into a monumental figure of European portraiture, giving Mai the grandeur and authority normally reserved for the elite.
    — Saar Shahar, The Conversation, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Their mobilization since then has mirrored a wider wave of youth protests in other countries, particularly in South Asia, where Gen Z demonstrators have challenged political elites.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of elite

Browse Nearby Words

elder statesmen
elect
elected
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Cite this Entry

“Elect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elect. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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