as in choice
the act or process of selecting
the picking of new recruits went on for three days
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in harvesting
to catch or collect (a crop or natural resource) for human use
pick peas and beans from the garden for dinner
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in selecting
to decide to accept (someone or something) from a group of possibilities
I pick you as my partner
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in provoking
to bring (something volatile or intense) into being
he seems to be trying to pick a fight
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in nibbling
to eat reluctantly and in small bites
still suffering from the shock of his wife's death, he could do no more than pick halfheartedly at his food
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in stabbing
to penetrate or hold (something) with a pointed object
continued to pick the block of ice until she was able to extract the shrimp
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of picking
Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026
Joining them are The Steel Wheels, known for their soulful Americana style, and the all-female ensemble Sister Sadie, bringing tight vocals, crisp picking and bold bluegrass spirit.
—Cincinnati Enquirer, 26 Feb. 2026
The short video shows Mychelle in a hospital gown picking at a pastry, along with what appears to be a case for a portable breast pump in her lap.
—Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
The need to turn parameter picking from an art into a science was one of the reasons Schneider established the Climate Modeling Alliance, CLIMA, in 2019.
—Quanta Magazine, 20 Feb. 2026
Amazon is quietly shelving its Blue Jay project months after introducing the robotic picking and stowing system in a South Carolina fulfillment center last October.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 20 Feb. 2026
Nothing says fall in North Georgia quite like apple picking, baked goods, and a glass of cider—all courtesy of Mercier Orchards, the Southeast's biggest apple orchard.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 19 Feb. 2026
Start sampling and judge the firmness and sweetness to achieve the best picking time.
—Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 16 Feb. 2026
So, my picking on Deion Sanders is nothing.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 15 Feb. 2026
Chevall Pryce, Baltimore Sun, 1 Mar. 2026
These include squatting, hinging, stepping, pushing, pulling and stabilizing your core — the mechanics behind getting up from a chair, picking something up off the floor, opening and closing doors, climbing stairs, and maintaining balance to avoid falls.
—Dana Santas Feb 28, CNN Money, 28 Feb. 2026
The Heat was reluctant to include Ware in its offers for Durant and that roadblock in negotiations helped lead the Suns to picking the Rockets’ trade package.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 28 Feb. 2026
And at 87, Mom's already picking our next getaway.
—Lisa A. Beach, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026
That was a fine choice, in drawing sharp contrasts for a fable about how unchoosy the Almighty can be in picking his prime vessels.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 27 Feb. 2026
Guests during this year's bloom can also purchase farm experiences from a tractor wagon ride and blueberry picking to a swirling butterfly encounter.
—Kara Finnstrom, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026
Winds should die down on Friday before picking back up Saturday and Sunday with gusts over 20 miles per hour.
—Julia James, Dallas Morning News, 26 Feb. 2026
Among those, Bailey and Faulk will likely be gone by the time the Patriots are picking 31st overall.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 26 Feb. 2026
Noun
There are narrated tractor wagon rides giving tours around the fields along with attractions such as the Artist’s Garden, Sweet Pea Maze and Santa’s Playground, along with blueberry picking on certain days.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026
Joining them are The Steel Wheels, known for their soulful Americana style, and the all-female ensemble Sister Sadie, bringing tight vocals, crisp picking and bold bluegrass spirit.
—Cincinnati Enquirer, 26 Feb. 2026
The short video shows Mychelle in a hospital gown picking at a pastry, along with what appears to be a case for a portable breast pump in her lap.
—Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
The need to turn parameter picking from an art into a science was one of the reasons Schneider established the Climate Modeling Alliance, CLIMA, in 2019.
—Quanta Magazine, 20 Feb. 2026
Amazon is quietly shelving its Blue Jay project months after introducing the robotic picking and stowing system in a South Carolina fulfillment center last October.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 20 Feb. 2026
Nothing says fall in North Georgia quite like apple picking, baked goods, and a glass of cider—all courtesy of Mercier Orchards, the Southeast's biggest apple orchard.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 19 Feb. 2026
Start sampling and judge the firmness and sweetness to achieve the best picking time.
—Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 16 Feb. 2026
So, my picking on Deion Sanders is nothing.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 15 Feb. 2026
Verb
Parents picking the children up from STEM camp will be allowed on the Naval Academy base at the end of the event at Gate 8.
—Chevall Pryce, Baltimore Sun, 1 Mar. 2026
These include squatting, hinging, stepping, pushing, pulling and stabilizing your core — the mechanics behind getting up from a chair, picking something up off the floor, opening and closing doors, climbing stairs, and maintaining balance to avoid falls.
—Dana Santas Feb 28, CNN Money, 28 Feb. 2026
The Heat was reluctant to include Ware in its offers for Durant and that roadblock in negotiations helped lead the Suns to picking the Rockets’ trade package.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 28 Feb. 2026
And at 87, Mom's already picking our next getaway.
—Lisa A. Beach, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026
That was a fine choice, in drawing sharp contrasts for a fable about how unchoosy the Almighty can be in picking his prime vessels.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 27 Feb. 2026
Guests during this year's bloom can also purchase farm experiences from a tractor wagon ride and blueberry picking to a swirling butterfly encounter.
—Kara Finnstrom, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026
Winds should die down on Friday before picking back up Saturday and Sunday with gusts over 20 miles per hour.
—Julia James, Dallas Morning News, 26 Feb. 2026
Among those, Bailey and Faulk will likely be gone by the time the Patriots are picking 31st overall.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 26 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for picking
Noun
-
From The Dean, everything is either walkable, a few stops away on the central tram line, or a short, affordable taxi ride—which is the Dubliner’s choice for quick transport.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Every choice today impacts our overall life direction.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
While significant advancements have been made in harvesting this power, existing technologies do not capture the full potential of the entire solar spectrum.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
23 Feb. 2026
-
No matter your interests, there’s something for you in this gem of a mountain town—from embarking on half-day hikes and tastings at local wineries to riding the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway and harvesting fresh fruit at the largest apple orchard in the Southeast.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
That’s more than two points higher than the same time period in the 2020 primaries and almost six points higher than the same time period in the 2024 primaries, when voters were selecting party presidential nominees.—
Data Reporter,
Austin American Statesman,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Rhett Lashlee’s easiest decision of the offseason may have been selecting a replacement for defensive coordinator Scott Symons.—
Lia Assimakopoulos,
Dallas Morning News,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
For the Mexican government, the battle against the cartels risks provoking violence across the country, as gang members retaliate against the security forces and battle each other.—
Tim Lister,
CNN Money,
23 Feb. 2026
-
The events, hosted at The Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach, bring the community together for thought-provoking talks delivered by experts.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Our fellow guests were all seated at garden tables, nibbling sandwiches cut into little triangles and sipping from fancy teacups.—
Flora Stubbs,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Feb. 2026
-
This is an inexpensive and simple way to deter nibbling animals.—
Peg Aloi,
The Spruce,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Jones, of Joliet, said his testimony helped convict Joseph Czuba, a Plainfield landlord who was found guilty last year in the stabbing death of 6-year-old Wadee Alfayoumi, a Palestinian American boy who was targeted because of his race and religion.—
Michelle Mullins,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Three of the stabbing victims were dead at the scene and another died while being taken to a hospital.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Voters head to the polls Tuesday for the first state primaries in Arkansas, North Carolina and Texas — an early test of party strength in this year’s election cycle.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Heading into Tuesday's primary elections, the cost of advertising and reserved advertising time had topped $110 million, the most ever for a Senate primary.—
THOMAS BEAUMONT,
Arkansas Online,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Talent is a leading indicator of success in an organization, and the talent that’s choosing to go to MLS is getting better and better.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
28 Feb. 2026
-
There’s still a time and place for the pristine glassware, fancy silver, and perfectly arranged centerpieces, but no one is going to judge you if there’s a little dust bunny in the corner or for choosing paper napkins over linen.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Picking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/picking. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.
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