Synonym Chooser

How does the noun selection contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of selection are alternative, choice, election, option, and preference. While all these words mean "the act or opportunity of choosing or the thing chosen," selection implies a range of choice.

a varied selection of furniture

When is it sensible to use alternative instead of selection?

While the synonyms alternative and selection are close in meaning, alternative implies a need to choose one and reject another possibility.

equally attractive alternatives

When is choice a more appropriate choice than selection?

The synonyms choice and selection are sometimes interchangeable, but choice suggests the opportunity or privilege of choosing freely.

freedom of choice

When would election be a good substitute for selection?

The words election and selection can be used in similar contexts, but election implies an end or purpose which requires exercise of judgment.

doing a tax return forces certain elections on you

In what contexts can option take the place of selection?

The words option and selection are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, option implies a power to choose that is specifically granted or guaranteed.

the option of paying now or later

When can preference be used instead of selection?

In some situations, the words preference and selection are roughly equivalent. However, preference suggests a choice guided by one's judgment or predilections.

a preference for cool weather

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 selection There remains the possibility of the Heat buying or trading for a second-round selection, but the fact that any team that purchases a second-round pick becomes hard-capped at the second apron for the entirety of that upcoming season will likely create some pause for Miami. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 22 Sep. 2025 Yes, tens of thousands of Nepalis converged on Discord to deliberate on the selection of a new leader, and turned to ChatGPT to settle the debate. Kapil Komireddi, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025 The new astronaut candidates qualified for selection by being US citizens capable of passing a physical for long-duration spaceflight. Robert Pearlman, ArsTechnica, 22 Sep. 2025 Beverage-wise, Akashiro offers a selection of Peruvian sodas like Inca Kola and Maracuya, various Peruvian teas like hierba luisa and chrysanthemum and standard beverages like hot and cold green tea. Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 22 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for selection
Recent Examples of Synonyms for selection
Noun
  • The company released a more expensive version of its subscription-fee offering in the EU in 2023, but was slapped with a €200 million ($232 million) fine in April after regulators argued the model still breached the bloc’s digital antitrust rules and didn’t offer users a genuine free choice.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Since then, what counts as a good (virtuous) choice versus a bad (unvirtuous) one has become less and less clearly defined.
    Sophia Rosenfeld September 26, Literary Hub, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In a crowded discovery market, Bubbo bets on ease-of-use and cross-platform integration to carve out a foothold as the number of streaming services multiplies and users demand more effective content navigation.
    Callum McLennan, Variety, 26 Sep. 2025
  • The bunker brass now believe their best bet for survival lies on the surface, inside the giant crater left behind by the world-ending comet.
    Mike Miller, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Some are even suggesting that Indianapolis continue planning on potential quarterback options to target during the 2026 NFL offseason.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
  • The concern is that women will be left with no options to manage pain in pregnancy.
    Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Here’s a sampling of new offerings for 2025-26 and menu highlights.
    Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 23 Sep. 2025
  • What people are saying about Rapture day A quick glance through TikTok, which has been fueling much of the discussion (under the algorithm friendly hashtag #rapturetok), shows a sampling of reactions, from sincere to satirical.
    Adam Carlson, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Sandu’s reelection came amidst an election that was laced with allegations of Russian interference and was marred by fake bomb threats.
    Rajeev Tyagi, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Advertisement With Adams dropping out of the race, Mamdani is still set to face Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa and Cuomo, who is mounting an independent bid after his loss in the Democratic primary, in November’s election.
    Chantelle Lee, Time, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The Allianz Life survey reached a nationally representative sample of 1,005 adults.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Esteller and the research team took samples from Branyas’ blood, saliva, urine and stool before examining her genome and comparing it with those belonging to 75 other Iberian women.
    Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Selection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/selection. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on selection

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