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 His foray into the midterm elections is the latest windfall for congressional Republicans, who hope to overcome the political headwinds that ordinarily face the party in power with their substantial fundraising advantage. — David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 3 Sep. 2026 The anger fueled the rise of Sanseito, a minor right-wing party that rallied against immigrants in recent elections, putting pressure on the ruling Liberal Democratic Party government. — Christine Miyawaki, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026 Maintaining voter lists is the responsibility of states, not the federal government, as the Constitution dictates that states control elections. — Jude Joffe-Block, NPR, 3 Sep. 2026 Zelenskyy and other Ukrainian officials maintain Russia is planning another mobilization after the State Duma election. — ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for election

Recent Examples of Synonyms for election

Noun

Nick Pope is also still on Tyneside, even though he has been relegated to third-choice goalkeeper and was made available.

— George Caulkin, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
That choice could help Antares avoid developing every component specifically for nuclear use.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of choice

Noun

Because individual-stock premiums are currently richer, managers may also be able to meet their income targets by writing options against a smaller portion of the portfolio.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026
When Chelsea try to shift the ball back across to the right, Brighton press man-to-man and force Fofana to the touchline, leaving him with little option other than to play a long ball into the channel in the direction of Neto.

— Jon Mackenzie, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of option

Noun

That message helped inspire her own trailblazing political career that eventually led her to become the first female presidential candidate to win a major party’s nomination during the 2016 election cycle.

— Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026
The council then has the final say in approving — or rejecting — Lucas’ nomination.

— Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of nomination

Noun

But to overcome 30 years of Republican dominance, Talarico needs votes from everywhere.

— Eleanor Dearman Updated August 29, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2026
General shareholders meeting could be crucial Reuters said at a general shareholders meeting, unions have no vote, and Lower Saxony controls 20%.

— Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of vote

Noun

Kroenke’s decision to purchase the Angels at a record $4 billion valuation has not impacted Trout’s plans to remain in Southern California.

— Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
The games present overly simplified worlds devoid of civilians, children, and animals, and there are no lasting consequences for players’ decisions.

— Susan Page, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of decision

Noun

While spoken language might benefit us in myriad ways, no single activity requires it, let alone explains what triggered its ongoing evolution over tens to hundreds of thousands of years.

— Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
For nearly two additional years, all the way to a six-hour cut of the movie that went deep on Musk’s 2025 DOGE era and his SpaceX IPO plate-spin this summer.

— Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of way

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electing

election

elections

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Style

“Election.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/election. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of election

noun

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