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
Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations.
—
Isa Almeida, Oklahoman, 12 Jan. 2026
Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 6 Jan. 2026
Watch the Eras Tour documentary trailer Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations.
—Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 10 Dec. 2025
Eventim Apollo – London, United Kingdom September 26: O2 Apollo – Manchester, United Kingdom
September 27: O2 Academy – Glasgow, United Kingdom
October 1: SSE Arena – Belfast, United Kingdom
Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations.
—Bryan West, Nashville Tennessean, 4 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handpick
Isa Almeida, Oklahoman, 12 Jan. 2026
Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 6 Jan. 2026
Watch the Eras Tour documentary trailer Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations.
—Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 10 Dec. 2025
Eventim Apollo – London, United Kingdom September 26: O2 Apollo – Manchester, United Kingdom
September 27: O2 Academy – Glasgow, United Kingdom
October 1: SSE Arena – Belfast, United Kingdom
Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations.
—Bryan West, Nashville Tennessean, 4 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handpick
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handpick
Verb
-
That means Stidham will face off against New England, the team that selected him in the fourth round of the 2019 Draft, to earn a ticket to the Super Bowl.—
Lance Reynolds,
Boston Herald,
24 Jan. 2026
-
Buss was also reportedly disappointed in James’ reaction after the Lakers selected his son, Bronny James, in the 2024 NBA Draft.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
In some respects, a person might choose to use music therapy on their own, though I am mainly focused in this discussion on music therapy that is part of an overarching therapeutic plan being overseen by a professional clinician.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
-
Cities that are satisfied with the service that DART provides could choose to forgo the 25% return and let the transit agency use the funds.—
Lilly Kersh,
Dallas Morning News,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Then, later that week while playing pick-up basketball, his season came crashing down.—
Marielle Mohs,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Add 5 garlic cloves, finely chopped, and 2 small sprigs thyme, leaves picked, and cook, stirring often, until radicchio is softened and wilted, 5–8 minutes.—
Shilpa Uskokovic,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Handpick.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handpick. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
