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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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
-
Who did the Chicago Bears select in the 2025 NFL draft?—
Brad Biggs,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2025
-
King – who was selected by Bay FC with the second overall pick in the 2024 NWSL draft – has started all eight games for Angel City this season, having joined the club in February.—
Ben Morse,
CNN Money,
14 May 2025
Verb
-
The fact that the high court chose this case to discuss universal injunctions could mean a majority want to reaffirm their use, said Ilya Somin, a law professor at George Mason University.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
12 May 2025
-
The pageant continues Sunday at 1 p.m., at which time a new Miss Maine will be chosen to advance to the Miss USA pageant.—
Steve Buckley,
New York Times,
11 May 2025
Verb
-
There, the family hunkers down, their days occupied with the grueling task of picking cherries in the absence of their usual workers.—
Sophia Stewart,
The Atlantic,
9 May 2025
-
Maresca has many difficult decisions to make when picking his starting XI for the final against Real Betis, but neither should be seen as risky selections.—
Liam Twomey,
New York Times,
9 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Handpick.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handpick. Accessed 19 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share