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 referendums are intended to gauge whether voters want to pursue forming a separate state made up of Illinois counties outside Cook County. — Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026 But Wilson cautioned against viewing the race as a referendum on the candidates alone. — Alexis Guerrero, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026 In Missouri, voters will decide on a referendum that would prevent a new congressional map favoring Republicans from going into effect. — Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 26 Oct. 2026 Their vastly different theatrical releases make those grosses an imperfect referendum on audience tastes, but the disparity illustrates how differently the industry markets stories about desire. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 26 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for referendum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for referendum
  1. vote
  2. ballot
Noun
  • Shares not voted would, in turn, have the same effect as votes against the merger.
    — Morgan Chittum, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Advertisement In our survey, about two-thirds of Americans said a candidate's position on AI could influence their vote in the upcoming Midterm elections, although most acknowledged that other issues matter more.
    — Will Johnson, Time, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of vote
Noun
  • Experts worry federal law enforcement could potentially use those false claims — or others generated this year — as pretext to try to seize ballots during the counting period, or interfere in the process in some other way.
    — Miles Parks, NPR, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Voters have already started casting advance ballots in many parts of the state.
    — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of ballot

Browse Nearby Words

referenda
referendum
referred
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Cite this Entry

“Referendum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/referendum. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on referendum

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about referendum

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