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 bar features a rotating selection of seasonal cocktails, like the Industry Negroni, a complex and boozy take on the classic featuring Fernet Branca, Campari, Green Chartreuse and orange bitters. Emily Bloch, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 May 2025 From classic Pepperoni and Margherita to gourmet Cacio e Pepe and Vegan Mushroom pies, Pizza Collective’s selection offers something for all preferences and diets. Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 16 May 2025 The selection of pizzas on offer is similarly classic with a twist, like the white pie featuring meyer lemon and a puttannesca pizza with artichokes. Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 16 May 2025 Both prosecutors and the defense also came to an agreement on the jury selection process. Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 4 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for selection
Recent Examples of Synonyms for selection
Noun
  • Impossible decision Nicole and Kyle then had a choice to make.
    Karen Weintraub, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • This modern and modular outdoor option comes in both a love seat and a three-seater-sofa sizing to best suit your back patio and 10 fabric choices.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • Grasso has 76 percent of the bets, but Silva has 53 percent of the handle.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
  • Throwing the whole weight of government and community toward violence reduction is Chicago’s best bet in efforts to reduce the frequency and tragic costs of gun violence.
    David Greising, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • Death by a firing squad is an option in Idaho, although the state hasn’t carried out an execution since 2012.
    Jorge L. Ortiz, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • The Environmental Working Group’s Healthy Living app is another option.
    Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • Tickets for unlimited sampling cost $55+, or $100+ for VIP (includes early entry at 3 p.m.).
    Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 15 May 2025
  • So far, sampling has found nearly 12% of U.S. water utilities are above the Biden administration’s limits.
    Michael Phillis, Twin Cities, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • Why James Comey's Instagram post triggered federal response Comey was leading the FBI investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election when Trump fired him in May 2017.
    Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 18 May 2025
  • Since Republicans won control of the White House and Congress on election day, the proportion of messages sent by Qatari operatives to conservative outlets and commenters has surged to more than half of their total correspondence with the media.
    Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • There were not enough handwriting samples of John and Frank to make a comparison, and the FBI concluded the card was probably a hoax inspired by the intense and worldwide news coverage.
    Andy Rose, CNN Money, 11 May 2025
  • On Friday, May 9, the FDA approved the Teal Wand, an at-home vaginal sample self-collection device created by Teal Health, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services confirmed to USA TODAY.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 10 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Selection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/selection. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on selection

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