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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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Daniel Lewis and Pete Prisco at CBS Sports both picked New England in close games.—
Matt Schooley,
CBS News,
11 Jan. 2026
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If only a few in number, they can be hand-picked from the plants and destroyed.—
Tom MacCubbin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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House Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi is prominently featured at the top of the site, alongside members of the House select committee on the riot.—
Daniel S. Levine,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
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Lenovo plans to roll out Qira on select Lenovo devices in Q1 2026.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Head to Amazon now to shop even more petite-friendly comfy pants, and keep scrolling to check out the rest of my favorite picks.—
Toni Sutton,
PEOPLE,
10 Jan. 2026
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Shop more of my favorite winter styles from Amazon, below.—
Lauren Finney Harden,
InStyle,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Washington was Young’s preferred destination, and the two sides were working on a deal to get the 27-year-old point guard to the nation’s capital.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
8 Jan. 2026
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Firstly, it was discovered that based on the data, about two-thirds of the parents had a preferred child, and that their favorite often stayed stagnant over decades.—
Hannah Sacks,
PEOPLE,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Handpicked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handpicked. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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