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 Storm or no, this weekend’s presidential itinerary including two of the nation’s reddest states already raised eyebrows because the appearances wouldn’t seem to help Republicans cling to control of Congress in the looming midterm elections. — Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026 These are people who have voted for Trump in presidential elections and continue to support the president, but who often do not vote in midterms. — Julio Borquez, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026 Iowa is — surprisingly — a competitive state in the 2026 midterm elections. — Amber Phillips, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026 Yep, there are more and more signs creeping in by the election cycle. — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for election

Recent Examples of Synonyms for election

Noun

The technology that investors and governments are counting on to lift the global economy is also adding pressure that threatens growth, the head of the International Monetary Fund said, urging policymakers to stop delaying painful choices on debt.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026
An excellent choice for meandering to the city’s biggest tourist draws.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of choice

Noun

We were also impressed by the versatile food options—particularly the Cantonese cuisine and excellent afternoon tea.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Oct. 2026
This would provide some interesting tactical options for the Navy, especially for conflicts with rivals, like China.

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of option

Noun

In wave election years, as this year is expected to be, the party that gains seats in Congress often had more competitive primaries, a consequence of the increase in candidates seeking nomination and the enthusiasm of voters.

— Robert Boatright, The Conversation, 6 Oct. 2026
The star famously did not actually receive an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor in 2011, after being nominated for his breakout role as Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin by the Golden Globes, Critics Choice, SAG, and BAFTA Awards.

— Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of nomination

Noun

When Daines started exploring how to fix the Senate, all roads led to Merkley, who wrote Democrats’ last rules change proposal and spearheaded the push to end the 60-vote threshold for nominees.

— Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 8 Oct. 2026
The commission voted 7-1 to direct County Attorney Tyrone Wade to look into whether any laws or policies were broken during the consent agenda vote and whether any policies should be adjusted to prevent similar situations in the future.

— Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of vote

Noun

In emergency decisions, by contrast, the president has a much stronger track record of wins.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026
There was angst among fans about Suamataia being held from the game, followed by blowback for questioning coach Andy Reid’s decision.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of decision

Noun

As the business has grown, Nouri’s customers increasingly look for more ways to express their personal style on their wedding day.

— Madison Collins, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Someone who has regarded filmmaking as a mysterious occupation might begin to see a way into it.

— Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of way

Noun

Other specialty offerings include Asian plums, Hawaiian longan and a rotating selection of seasonal tropical fruit.

— Sara Rosenthal, Denver Post, 11 Oct. 2026
Curatorial platform Contre-courants has partnered with François-Xavier Durandy to launch the initiative, which will take its selections to venues around the country.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 Oct. 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of election

noun

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