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 Prosecutors pursued cases against the party and electoral officials, prompting widespread demonstrations and international concern about whether the election results would be respected. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Aug. 2026 Still, the odds are strongly in his favor — especially in a midterm election serving as a referendum on the deeply unpopular incumbent. — Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 Hawes touts student involvement Hawes was first appointed to the board in 2021, and then won his election the following year. — Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 27 Aug. 2026 Laramie County Clerk Debra Lee, a Republican and the county’s chief election official, also raised concerns about the federal monitors’ presence at polling locations. — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for election

Recent Examples of Synonyms for election

Noun

The Motion Picture Producers Association of Japan, known as Eiren, announced the choice Wednesday.

— Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
Then again, the Fantasy 5 evening draw — 9, 11, 20, 32, 35 — also turned out to be a popular choice.

— David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 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

Thailand has yet to secure an Oscar nomination in the international feature category.

— Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026
Cruz finished second to Trump during the 2016 Republican presidential primary, which featured more than a dozen GOP lawmakers vying for the nomination.

— Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 27 Aug. 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

But even as the culture seems fairly concerned with the way famous women look, and the impact these images have on young girls and teenagers, the conversation around men and their body image has been lean.

— José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 27 Aug. 2026
Much of rising demand reflects a shift in the way AI systems are consuming AI compute, particularly as the use of agentic AI becomes more widespread, Huang explained.

— Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of way

Browse Nearby Words

electing

election

elections

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Style

“Election.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/election. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of election

noun

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