absolute majority

American  

noun

1. a number of votes constituting more than half of the number cast.

2. a number of voters constituting more than half of the number registered.

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absolute majority British  

noun

1. a number of votes totalling over 50 per cent, such as the total number of votes or seats obtained by a party that beats the combined opposition Compare relative majority

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Example Sentences

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absolute majority

The party "will have a very difficult time" obtaining an absolute majority at national level as well, said Ana Sofia Cardenal, professor of political science at the Open University of Catalonia.

From Barron's ● May 18, 2026

Under Germany's constitution, there is no limit to how many votes can be held, but ultimately if no absolute majority is reached then a candidate can be elected without one.

From BBC ● May 6, 2025

Unlike in many Latin American nations, there is no second round in Mexican elections: Whoever receives a plurality of votes is declared the winner, whether or not he or she garners an absolute majority.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 30, 2024

A total of nine parties are running and no single one is expected to come close to winning enough votes to reach the absolute majority of 68 seats in the chamber.

From Seattle Times ● May 11, 2024

Amendments to the Federal Constitution of Australia may be proposed by an absolute majority of both Houses of Parliament.

From The Spirit of American Government A Study Of The Constitution: Its Origin, Influence And Relation To Democracy by J. Allen (James Allen) Smith