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 Alberta voters overwhelmingly rejected a move toward independence, with 75% backing remaining in Canada in early results from a vote that could have led to a future separation referendum. — Rob Gillies, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026 While conceding that midterms are sometimes a referendum on the sitting president, Kelly stands on his individual record of delivering for his district. — Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026 Preliminary results early Tuesday showed that roughly 76% of voters rejected beginning the process toward a future binding referendum on separation. — Chantelle Lee, Time, 20 Oct. 2026 The referendum has highlighted deep divisions among Albertans. — Sheena Rossiter, NPR, 19 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
See all Nearby Words

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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