election

noun

elec·​tion i-ˈlek-shən How to pronounce election (audio)
1
a
: an act or process of electing
the election of a new governor
b
: the fact of being elected
her election to the Senate
2
: predestination to eternal life
3
: the right, power, or privilege of making a choice
Choose the Right Synonym for election

choice, option, alternative, preference, selection, election mean the act or opportunity of choosing or the thing chosen.

choice suggests the opportunity or privilege of choosing freely.

freedom of choice

option implies a power to choose that is specifically granted or guaranteed.

the option of paying now or later

alternative implies a need to choose one and reject another possibility.

equally attractive alternatives

preference suggests a choice guided by one's judgment or predilections.

a preference for cool weather

selection implies a range of choice.

a varied selection of furniture

election implies an end or purpose which requires exercise of judgment.

doing a tax return forces certain elections on you

Examples of election in a Sentence

He's favored to win the election. The scandal may affect his chances for election. Her election to the Senate was a surprise to many.
Recent Examples on the Web The deadline for doing so is 10 weeks before an election, according to the Kansas City Election Board. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 25 Mar. 2024 The deadline is nearing for qualified voters who wish to cast a ballot in utility Salt River Project's election April 2. The Arizona Republic, 25 Mar. 2024 In his view, the election of Trump, that November, provided a perfect excuse for Remainers not to take the Brexit vote seriously. Sam Knight, The New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2024 The attack occured just days after Putin’s victory in a highly orchestrated election, which solidified his power as the war in Ukraine drags into a third year. Niha Masih, Washington Post, 25 Mar. 2024 Following Donald Trump’s election, a crop of Enemy of the People adaptations sprung up. Kalia Richardson, Rolling Stone, 25 Mar. 2024 Marco Rubio, a top Senate Republican, on Sunday largely defended Donald Trump's claims of immunity against prosecution as the former president faces several criminal trials heading into the 2024 election. Tal Axelrod, ABC News, 24 Mar. 2024 Police and a city enforcer showed up at the church to fine the pastor, suit says The city of San Luis had long supported the church's food ministry, but that all changed in 2022 with the election of a Mayor Riedel, according to the lawsuit. Juliana Kim, NPR, 24 Mar. 2024 The rial's record low came less than a month after a parliamentary election that saw the lowest turnout since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, whose results were dominated by hard-line politicians. Amir Vahdat, Quartz, 24 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'election.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of election was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near election

Cite this Entry

“Election.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/election. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

election

noun
elec·​tion i-ˈlek-shən How to pronounce election (audio)
1
: an act or process of electing
especially : the process of voting to choose a person for office
the election of a new governor
2
: the fact of being elected
her election to the presidency

Legal Definition

election

noun
elec·​tion
1
a
: the act or process of electing
b
: an instance of the electorate voting for candidates for an elective office
c
: the fact of being elected
2
: the right, power, or privilege of making a choice: as
a
: the right of a spouse to choose a statutorily prescribed amount of a deceased spouse's estate or whatever was devised to him or her under the will
b
: the right of a person who has an interest in property that a deceased has disposed of by will either to claim his or her right to the property or to accept what he or she was devised under the will instead
c
: the right of a party to a contract that has been breached by the other party to choose to continue or terminate the contract see also election of remedies, equitable election

More from Merriam-Webster on election

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