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
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Recent Examples of handpicked
Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026
In the meantime, Lynelle Maginley-Liddie, the handpicked commissioner of former Mayor Eric Adams, continues to lead the department.
—Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 27 Jan. 2026
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
Adjective
Trump has railed against the Fed and Powell for the past year, berating Powell, his handpicked Fed chair, for not cutting rates.
—Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026
In the meantime, Lynelle Maginley-Liddie, the handpicked commissioner of former Mayor Eric Adams, continues to lead the department.
—Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 27 Jan. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handpicked
Adjective
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The gist, however, seems to be that extra-terrestrials make contact with a selected few, before promising to go public to the entire world — good luck dealing with the ramifications of that one, human race!—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
31 Dec. 2025
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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
Verb
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On his way to the dressing room, Gudas picked some snow off the ice and kissed it.—
Kevin Baxter,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
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The council recently picked a fight with Friends of the Library, with the council questioning whether to accept $825,000 from the group.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Edible Arrangements Save up to 25% off on select Valentine's Day gifts and get free next-day delivery on orders of $79 or more.—
Bebe Hodges,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
14 Feb. 2026
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The style code for the Nike Air Max 95 OG Big Bubble SP Neon Paisley Bandana is IQ0620-100and it’s expected to be released in limited quantities from select retailers.—
Riley Jones,
Footwear News,
14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Contestants Cirie Fields, Season 42 challenge beast Jonathan Young, and Season 48 favorite Joe Hunter are trailing far behind Bracco in both markets.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
19 Feb. 2026
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One of Griffey’s favorite memories from that first WBC was the reaction from teammate Todd Jones after Griffey hit a home run in a 17-0 rout of South Africa.—
C. Trent Rosecrans,
New York Times,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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That’s generally been their preferred method, as the Yanks haven’t committed big money to a free agent reliever since Zack Britton ($39 million) and Adam Ottavino ($27 million) signed three-year contracts in January 2019.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
16 Feb. 2026
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Most typically vote like partisans, in favor of their preferred party.—
Nick Coltrain,
Denver Post,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Handpicked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handpicked. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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