as in to select
to decide to accept (someone or something) from a group of possibilities
handpicked what she considered to be the cutest kitten from the litter
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Recent Examples of handpick
Or, consider Grenada's citizenship-by-invitation program, which handpicks individuals who bring both financial investment and strategic value to the host nation.
—
Armand Arton, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
The decision by President Trump’s team to handpick which news organizations can participate in the White House press pool that questions him in the Oval Office or travels with him on Air Force One is a step in a direction that no modern American president of either party has ever taken.
—The Learning Network, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
By forcing the Istanbul mayor out of politics, the government has crossed the line that separates Turkey’s competitive authoritarian system from a full, Russian-style autocracy in which the president handpicks his opponents and elections are purely for show.
—Gonul Tol, Foreign Affairs, 21 Mar. 2025
Part of the annual tradition requires last year’s winner to handpick the menu, which is 2024 champion Scottie Scheffler this year.
—Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handpick
Armand Arton, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
The decision by President Trump’s team to handpick which news organizations can participate in the White House press pool that questions him in the Oval Office or travels with him on Air Force One is a step in a direction that no modern American president of either party has ever taken.
—The Learning Network, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
By forcing the Istanbul mayor out of politics, the government has crossed the line that separates Turkey’s competitive authoritarian system from a full, Russian-style autocracy in which the president handpicks his opponents and elections are purely for show.
—Gonul Tol, Foreign Affairs, 21 Mar. 2025
Part of the annual tradition requires last year’s winner to handpick the menu, which is 2024 champion Scottie Scheffler this year.
—Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handpick
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handpick
Verb
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All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors.—
Alexis Berger,
SELF,
2 May 2025
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The king theoretically selects this viceroy, but in reality, they are chosen by the prime minister and rubber-stamped by the palace.—
Timothy Nerozzi,
The Washington Examiner,
2 May 2025
Verb
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The wide availability of options allows men to choose the approach best suited to their individual needs.—
Rhiannon Frater,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2025
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The powerful fan has eight different speeds to choose from. But wait, there’s more.—
Nashia Baker,
Architectural Digest,
29 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The toppings really make the dish here—pick your favorites!—
Elizabeth Nelson,
Southern Living,
27 Apr. 2025
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Steelers’ draft picks Picks will be updated throughout the 2025 NFL Draft, April 24–26.—
Mike DeFabo,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Handpick.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handpick. Accessed 10 May. 2025.
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