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
Trump’s popular-vote plurality in an election that was framed as a referendum on democracy itself appeared to catch Democrats off guard.
—
W. James Antle Iii, The Washington Examiner, 13 June 2025
The Legislature specifically approved the project as a canal more than 40 years ago, but its opponents challenged it in a 1982 referendum and won.
—Dan Walters, Mercury News, 13 June 2025
Charlotte leaders hope to get the referendum on the ballot this year.
—Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 11 June 2025
In Britain’s 2016 Brexit referendum, 96% of voters in Gibraltar supported remaining in the EU.
—Lorne Cook, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for referendum
W. James Antle Iii, The Washington Examiner, 13 June 2025
The Legislature specifically approved the project as a canal more than 40 years ago, but its opponents challenged it in a 1982 referendum and won.
—Dan Walters, Mercury News, 13 June 2025
Charlotte leaders hope to get the referendum on the ballot this year.
—Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 11 June 2025
In Britain’s 2016 Brexit referendum, 96% of voters in Gibraltar supported remaining in the EU.
—Lorne Cook, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for referendum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for referendum
Noun
-
The tax and domestic policy bill nearing a vote by Senate Republicans includes hundreds of provisions, including extended and expanded tax cuts and significant cuts to Medicaid, food benefits and other programs.—
Alicia Parlapiano,
New York Times,
30 June 2025
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The issue, though, is that the liberals do not have enough votes to override Lamont’s vetoes.—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
30 June 2025
Noun
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If the issue gets on the 2026 ballot, the $30 wage would be blocked until then (the current large hotel — 60 rooms or over — minimum hourly is $22.50).—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
27 June 2025
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That could include, though not necessarily, putting a countywide sales tax on a future ballot similar to the one that failed in Jackson County last year.—
Alecia Taylor,
Kansas City Star,
26 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Referendum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/referendum. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
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