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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Recent Examples of referendum
Even if passed by the commission, Pardo’s proposal would ultimately need to be approved by voters in a ballot referendum.
—
Tess Riski, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2025
To cite just one example, on December 1, 1991, more than 90 percent of Ukrainian voters supported a referendum on independence.
—Foreign Affairs, 9 Apr. 2025
The referendum will now allow District 27 to do the same.
—Phil Rockrohr, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
How States Adopted Medicaid Expansion In recent years, voters in seven states led by Republican governors expanded Medicaid through referendums, with voters in three of them amending the constitution.
—Sarah Kliff, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for referendum
Tess Riski, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2025
To cite just one example, on December 1, 1991, more than 90 percent of Ukrainian voters supported a referendum on independence.
—Foreign Affairs, 9 Apr. 2025
The referendum will now allow District 27 to do the same.
—Phil Rockrohr, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
How States Adopted Medicaid Expansion In recent years, voters in seven states led by Republican governors expanded Medicaid through referendums, with voters in three of them amending the constitution.
—Sarah Kliff, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for referendum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for referendum
Noun
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One vote is expected the first day, then two each morning and two each afternoon until a candidate claims the two-thirds majority.—
John Bacon,
USA Today,
2 May 2025
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Superintendent Theresa Plascencia, acting as secretary pro tem, said the first person with four votes would be elected.—
Steve Sadin,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2025
Noun
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The state uses mail ballots as the default voting method and is often home to some of the last tight congressional races to be called.—
Kate Wolffe,
Sacbee.com,
30 Apr. 2025
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There are, however, some officials who as needed can act as emissaries, even if the cardinals themselves cannot leave until a successful ballot is cast, meaning one cardinal receives two-thirds of the votes and is elected pope.—
Marco della Cava,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Referendum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/referendum. Accessed 6 May. 2025.
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