Synonyms of selection

selection

noun

sə-ˈlek-shən 

1

as in choice

the act or process of selecting

his selection of a running mate was a long, tedious affair

Synonyms & Similar Words

• choice
• election
• selecting
• nomination
• choosing
• decision
• picking
• option
• appointment
• naming
• designation
• assignment

2

as in bet

a person or thing that is chosen

our selection was the third entrant in the dog show

Synonyms & Similar Words

• choice
• bet
• favorite
• pick
• candidate
• option
• chosen
• nominee
• nomination
• preference
• liking
• designation
• appointment
• appointee
• like
• preselection
• elective
• selectee

3

as in option

the power, right, or opportunity to choose

the inn's table d'hôte is excellent, but there's very limited selection

Synonyms & Similar Words

• option
• choice
• preference
• alternative
• way
• pick
• election
• liberty
• discretion
• vote
• volition
• determination
• druthers
• will
• voice
• free will
• say
• liking
• predilection
• tendency
• propensity
• penchant
• judgment
• inclination
• partiality
• discernment
• proclivity
• perspicacity

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• force
• coercion
• duty
• obligation
• duress
• Hobson's choice

4

as in sampling

a number of things selected from a group to stand for the whole

a selection of the company's latest line of products for display at the trade show

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sampling
• sample
• cross section
• sampler
• slice
• example
• instance
• representative
• specimen
• illustration
• paradigm
• prototype
• exemplification
• case
• classic
• exemplar
• archetype
• microcosm
• locus classicus

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun selection contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of selection are alternative, choice, election, option, and preference. While all these words mean "the act or opportunity of choosing or the thing chosen," selection implies a range of choice.

a varied selection of furniture

When is it sensible to use alternative instead of selection?

While the synonyms alternative and selection are close in meaning, alternative implies a need to choose one and reject another possibility.

equally attractive alternatives

When is choice a more appropriate choice than selection?

The synonyms choice and selection are sometimes interchangeable, but choice suggests the opportunity or privilege of choosing freely.

freedom of choice

When would election be a good substitute for selection?

The words election and selection can be used in similar contexts, but election implies an end or purpose which requires exercise of judgment.

doing a tax return forces certain elections on you

In what contexts can option take the place of selection?

The words option and selection are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, option implies a power to choose that is specifically granted or guaranteed.

the option of paying now or later

When can preference be used instead of selection?

In some situations, the words preference and selection are roughly equivalent. However, preference suggests a choice guided by one's judgment or predilections.

a preference for cool weather

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of selection

The rule is based on which parent's birthday falls earlier in the calendar year -- not age and not the family's selection. —Karen Morfitt, CBS News, 13 June 2026

Dress season is my favorite, and the selection of summer dresses at Amazon right now is chef’s kiss. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 June 2026

Its design was chosen without a competitive, public selection process (to the dismay of many in Congress), and construction will be privately funded. —Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 12 June 2026

Press’d also offers a limited selection of wine ($12) and bottled beer ($5 or $6). —Kansas City Star, 12 June 2026