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 The 500-square-foot space will offer a selection of grab-and-go items, including sandwiches, soups and salads. La Risa R. Lynch, jsonline.com, 8 Sep. 2025 More Jim McIsaac/Getty Images Rizzo finished his career with three All-Star selections, four Gold Glove Awards, a Platinum Glove Award, a Silver Slugger Award and one World Series ring. Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025 Every team needs a deep selection of versatile – and adaptable – role players to become successful. Shane Young, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 Tight end Jed Castles, who played one season at Texas Tech before transferring, was an all-conference selection last season and was rated as a top-five FCS tight end in the preseason. Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for selection
Recent Examples of Synonyms for selection
Noun
  • This grew far beyond the typical choice routes coming out of the backfield.
    Jacob Robinson, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Red twig dogwood Red twig dogwood is another great choice.
    Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Jalen Coker is a good bet to join them.
    Jacob Robinson, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Your best bets here are the radish turnip cakes, soup dumplings and pork and shrimp shu mai, all $8 to $13.
    Shindy Chen, Charlotte Observer, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Another con was having fewer options in rural or suburban regions.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2025
  • If not covered, check alternative options like FEMA assistance or other reimbursement programs.
    Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • By connecting these functions early, brands cut time-to-market, eliminate costly sampling cycles and align design decisions with both market demand and sustainability goals.
    SJ Studio, Sourcing Journal, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Scientists with the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program and Suncoast Waterkeeper recently began the advanced sampling to pinpoint percentages of fecal indicator bacteria sources around the Palma Sola Causeway.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • With less than two months out to Election Day, this year's elections -- ranging from hot-button mayoral and gubernatorial contests to a vote over new congressional maps -- are set to ramp up as candidates begin to make their final pitches to voters.
    Grace Sandman, ABC News, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The county Board of Supervisors directed the changes in response to concerns that had long existed for a small faction of grassroots activists but took on new fervor after the 2024 election — when voters installed three new Republican members of the board.
    Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • For the most detailed and accurate soil tests, send your samples to a soil lab.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The investigative genetic genealogy helped investigators find him with the sample anyway.
    Michael Ruiz , Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Selection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/selection. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on selection

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!