What does "write-in" mean?
A candidate whose name is not listed on the ballot.
Write-in
noun
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A candidate whose name is not listed on the ballot.
- Grammar: write-in is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: aye, ballot, canvass, division.
- Usage evidence: He won a write-in campaign for Youngstown school board in 2015; he joined the Green Party last year.
How to use "write-in"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "write-in" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "write-in" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "write-in" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "write-in" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "write-in" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "aye" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "write-in", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A candidate whose name is not listed on the ballot. attributive, often
"He won a write-in campaign for Youngstown school board in 2015; he joined the Green Party last year."
- 2 a vote cast by writing in the name of a candidate who is not listed on the ballot wordnet
- 3 A vote made for a candidate of this kind. attributive, often
- 4 a candidate for public office whose name does not appear on the ballot and so must be written on the ballot by the voters wordnet
- 5 A social event for authors, at which they meet up to work on their writing together. attributive, often
"NaNoWriMo also provides free resources and curriculum globally to over 80,000 students and educators in 2,000 classrooms. In addition a host of volunteers provide write-ins and events in 500 regions."
Show 1 more definition
- 6 A clue or puzzle that is so easy that the answer is immediately obvious. attributive, derogatory, often
"Normally, when the first clue is a write-in, I think I am in for an easy time, but not here: there is enough misdirection to keep most of us on our toes, and the bottom half remained nearly empty for far too long."
Example
"He won a write-in campaign for Youngstown school board in 2015; he joined the Green Party last year."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "write-in"?
Common synonyms include: aye, ballot, canvass, division, franchise, nay.
How do you use "write-in" in a sentence?
He won a write-in campaign for Youngstown school board in 2015; he joined the Green Party last year.
Etymology
Deverbal from write in. So called because anybody wishing to vote for such a candidate must explicitly write the candidate's name on the ballot.