referendum

noun

Definition of referendumnext
as in vote
an event in which the electorate votes for or against a law that deals with a specific issue They are having a referendum so the public can decide the controversial issue.

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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 referendum The comments that followed were a referendum on what modern Western culture believes mothers are allowed to do and want, and what children are owed. — Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez, CNN Money, 30 June 2026 The advanced manufacturing park was part of a $40 million bond referendum passed by Hickory residents in 2014. — Charlotte Observer, 30 June 2026 The deal averts a ballot referendum that backers from the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association said would’ve reigned in expansive local real estate taxes. — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2026 Interviewees include former Prime Minister, David Cameron, whose surprise 2015 election victory forced him to make good on his pledge to hold a referendum on EU membership. — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for referendum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for referendum
  1. vote
  2. ballot
Noun
  • The bomb-throwing influencer Kat Abughazaleh, 27, won the portions of that district in Chicago’s North Side lakefront neighborhoods, but suburban votes gave savvy Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss the win.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • Sanchez, boosted by voters from Peru’s rural ​regions, led the race earlier in the count and also won votes cast within the country by a slim margin.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 4 July 2026
Definition of vote
Noun
  • In California, where most voters mail their ballots, that lag time can be up to a week.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • The assemblies are one way for the party to decide who makes it onto the primary ballot.
    — Jesse Sarles, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Definition of ballot

Browse Nearby Words

referenda
referendum
referred
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Referendum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/referendum. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on referendum

Nglish: Translation of referendum for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about referendum

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