as in selected
singled out from a number or group as more to one's liking
the senator's handpicked campaign staff
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in picked
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of handpicked
Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 21 Dec. 2025
From a rustic centerpiece glowing with candlelight to faux wreath charger plates that instantly feel festive, these are my handpicked tabletop finds from Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel, Amazon, and more — all timeless, inviting, and starting at just $8.
—Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 16 Dec. 2025
In June Kennedy fired all 17 members of ACIP and, days later, appointed eight new, handpicked ones, some of whom have expressed antivaccination views.
—Jaimie Seaton, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2025
In June, Kennedy fired all 17 members of the panel and replaced them with seven new, handpicked members.
—Liz Szabo, NBC news, 15 Sep. 2025
Kennedy has replaced all of the members of the committee with handpicked people, some of whom have expressed criticism of vaccines.
—Cheyenne Haslett, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2025
Trump has relentlessly condemned Jerome Powell, his handpicked Fed chair who was later reappointed by former President Joe Biden.
—Matt Egan, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
On Sunday, the dispute further intensified when Rowley and his handpicked successor, Stuart Young, condemned her remarks in separate statements.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 21 Dec. 2025
From a rustic centerpiece glowing with candlelight to faux wreath charger plates that instantly feel festive, these are my handpicked tabletop finds from Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel, Amazon, and more — all timeless, inviting, and starting at just $8.
—Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 16 Dec. 2025
In June Kennedy fired all 17 members of ACIP and, days later, appointed eight new, handpicked ones, some of whom have expressed antivaccination views.
—Jaimie Seaton, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2025
In June, Kennedy fired all 17 members of the panel and replaced them with seven new, handpicked members.
—Liz Szabo, NBC news, 15 Sep. 2025
Kennedy has replaced all of the members of the committee with handpicked people, some of whom have expressed criticism of vaccines.
—Cheyenne Haslett, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2025
Trump has relentlessly condemned Jerome Powell, his handpicked Fed chair who was later reappointed by former President Joe Biden.
—Matt Egan, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handpicked
Adjective
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The selected cohort—Diamond Batiste, Ciara Boniface, Jeremy Hsing, Alejandra López and Brittany Alexia Young—were chosen from nearly 1,000 submissions, placing them at the forefront of a new chapter in cinematic storytelling.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
23 Oct. 2025
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The selected resident will receive a year-long immersive experience, both living and working at Trilith while developing their original project with the guidance of industry professionals.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The visitors picked their way across the rocky coastline, waving at the Islanders to move back and make space.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Jan. 2026
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McKinsey found that disciplined prioritization delivers 40% more value—not because leaders picked better priorities, but because the organization had room to absorb them.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Shop it in every length from petite to tall, plus 21 different colors that are all less than $50 while select sets are still on sale.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
31 Jan. 2026
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Members with fewer than 500 stars will fall into the green tier, receiving birthday rewards, early access to select products, personalized offers, and stars that expire after six months unless activity extends their validity.—
Mark Faithfull,
Forbes.com,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Stepping out in New York, Rih wore a tiger print, wool-blend jacquard coat by Alaïa (an enduring favorite designer for Rih), and matching tiger print calf hair pumps also by the French house, with little else.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
29 Jan. 2026
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The formula is lightweight and lasts all day,, especially when paired with one of the brand’s body creams (Brazilian Bum Bum is our favorite).—
Andrea Navarro,
Glamour,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Southwest is selling tickets at fares with different seating choices, including standard seats assigned at check‑in or paid preferred and extra‑legroom seats selected at booking.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
26 Jan. 2026
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Those numbers, above the Fed’s preferred 2% mark, foreshadow a lack of movement in interest rates this week.—
Megan Poinski,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Handpicked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handpicked. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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