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
Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations.
—
Jenny Porter Tilley, Louisville Courier Journal, 6 Feb. 2026
Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations.
—Jennifer Sangalang, Florida Times-Union, 5 Feb. 2026
Panarin holds a full no-movement clause, which gives him the power to shop around and handpick his next team.
—Vincent Z. Mercogliano, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations.
—Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for handpick
Jenny Porter Tilley, Louisville Courier Journal, 6 Feb. 2026
Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations.
—Jennifer Sangalang, Florida Times-Union, 5 Feb. 2026
Panarin holds a full no-movement clause, which gives him the power to shop around and handpick his next team.
—Vincent Z. Mercogliano, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations.
—Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for handpick
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handpick
Verb
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Meanwhile, despite Forrest Gump’s insight about the unknowns inside every box of chocolates, some 43% of Americans do consult the guide that comes with most boxes before selecting a treat.—
Andrea Riquier,
USA Today,
13 Feb. 2026
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That structure can support the kind of consistent protein intake experts recommend for maintaining muscle and energy during perimenopause and menopause, especially when meals are selected in the roughly 25- to 35-gram protein range.—
Rita Templeton,
Flow Space,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Taxpayers are encouraged to file as soon as possible and choose direct deposit to receive refunds more quickly.—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
14 Feb. 2026
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By testing seasonal changes, different numbers of occupants, and how people behave in offices, the researchers showed that the model can reliably identify more efficient and comfortable configurations, giving designers a much clearer basis for choosing the best energy-saving options.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Former Mayor Eric Garcetti picked Wasserman, a close friend, more than a decade ago to run the Olympics.—
Dakota Smith,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
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These unheralded accomplishments reflect why Robert Isom was picked as the successor to his legendary predecessor, Doug Parker, in the first place.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Fortune,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Handpick.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handpick. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
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