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simple majority

American  

noun

  1. less than half of the total votes cast but more than the minimum required to win, as when there are more than two candidates or choices.

  2. less than half the number of voters registered.


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

After which, he must pass a confirmation vote in the Senate with a simple majority.

From Barron's • Jan. 30, 2026

Warsh needs to secure simple majority votes from the committee and the whole Senate.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 30, 2026

Leaders of the group said it would reduce the budget deficit by $1 trillion and could pass with a simple majority.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 26, 2026

The proposal needs about 875,000 signatures to get on the November ballot, where it would need a simple majority to pass.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 10, 2026

Everyone knew, however, that Chicago was still 38 votes shy of the simple majority needed to win the fair.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson