Synonyms of write-innext
1
: a vote cast by writing in the name of a candidate
2
: a candidate whose name is written in

write in

2 of 2

verb

wrote in; written in; writing in; writes in

transitive verb

1
: to insert in a document or text
2
a
: to insert (a name not listed on a ballot or voting machine) in an appropriate space
b
: to cast (a vote) in this manner

Examples of write-in in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Noun
There is no Democrat in the race, meaning Parks will face write-in challengers Leighton Powers and Jose Elias-Torres in November to represent District 2, which contains Minneola, Montverde and parts of Clermont in the southern part of the county. James Wilkins, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026 Gibson’s opponent in the general election is a write-in candidate. Jim Turner, Sun Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
Bridge between worlds A Germanic language written in Hebrew letters, Yiddish is known as the tongue of Ashkenazic Jews. Ilan Stavans, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026 MapQuest will not change the name in its products, the platform wrote in a social media post. Rachel Cohrs Zhang, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for write-in

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1932, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of write-in was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Write-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/write-in. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

write-in

1 of 2 noun
ˈrīt-ˌin
1
: a vote cast by writing in the name of a candidate
2
: a candidate whose name is written in

write in

2 of 2 verb
: to insert (a name not listed on a ballot or voting machine) in an appropriate space

More from Merriam-Webster on write-in

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!