vote
7 synonyms and 0 antonyms for vote, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A formal choice made as part of an election or decision, usually by ballot.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use vote
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin votum, "a vow" — from voveo, "to vow." It's a doublet of the word vow.
Full origin of vote →Frequently asked questions
What does “vote” mean?
The word “vote” means a formal choice made as part of an election or decision, usually by ballot. In plain terms, to make a formal choice, usually by ballot — or the choice itself.
How do you pronounce “vote”?
“Vote” is pronounced voht (/voʊt/ in IPA).
How do you use “vote” in a sentence?
Here is “vote” used in a sentence: “Every citizen over eighteen has the right to a vote.”
What part of speech is “vote”?
Depending on how it is used, “vote” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “vote” come from?
The word “vote” comes from Latin. From Latin votum, "a vow" — from voveo, "to vow." It's a doublet of the word vow.
Is “vote” a common word?
“Vote” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “vote” have?
“Vote” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a formal choice made as part of an election or decision, usually by ballot.
What is the difference between a vote and a ballot?
A vote is the choice itself — the preference you express for a candidate or option. A ballot is the physical or digital means of casting it, such as the paper slip or voting card. In short, you record your vote on a ballot: the ballot is the vehicle, the vote is the decision.
What are the different types of vote?
Votes take many forms. A popular vote counts every individual choice, while a secret ballot keeps each one private. There are also votes of confidence, block votes, proxy votes cast on someone's behalf, and casting votes used to break a tie. The method chosen varies with the setting and the stakes.
Why is voting important?
Voting is how members of a group turn individual preferences into a collective decision. In democracies it gives citizens a peaceful, formal say in who governs and how, holding leaders to account. Even in a small committee, a vote settles disagreement fairly by giving everyone an equal voice in the outcome.
What happens if a vote is a tie?
When opposing sides receive an equal number of votes, the result is a tie or deadlock. Many bodies resolve this with a pre-agreed rule — a chairperson's casting vote, a coin toss, or a fresh round of voting — so that a clear decision can still be reached.