gerrymander

[jer-i-man-der, ger-] / ˈdʒɛr ɪˌmæn dər, ˈgɛr- /

VERB

to divide into election districts in a politically-motivated way

Synonyms

STRONGEST

contrive engineer finesse manipulate

STRONG

distort doctor finagle interfere with juggle machinate tamper with

WEAK

influence

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.

On Monday the Court stopped a racial gerrymander in New York.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 3, 2026

Opponents of the retaliatory gerrymander include former California Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 1, 2025

The Supreme Court ruled Thursday that Alabama can’t use its congressional map with only one majority Black district, reasoning it was likely a discriminatory racial gerrymander that runs afoul of the Voting Rights Act.

From Washington Times • Jun. 8, 2023

In anticipation of this new redistricting cycle, Slate is revamping our gerrymander puzzle game from 2013 as part of our Who Counts? initiative.

From Slate • Apr. 19, 2020

Will those who seek to excuse the injustice done to the minority in each electorate by the present system of election seriously contend that the same argument justifies the gerrymander?

From Proportional Representation Applied To Party Government by Ashworth, T. R. (Thomas Ramsden)