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 In early 2023, shortly after raising $350 million at a $3.5 billion valuation, Lore swapped Wonder’s 450 vans for storefronts where customers could order takeout or delivery from a giant selection of 30 unique menus. Phoebe Liu, Forbes, 8 Feb. 2025 Now the Sky have to answer a key question: Is the No. 3 pick more valuable as a trade asset or a draft selection? Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2025 The menu of juices was extensive (don’t miss the morning smoothie, a mango, papaya, and coconut cream blend), as was the selection of local treats curated by Ruano. Jacqui Gifford, Travel + Leisure, 30 Jan. 2025 The selection is massive with nearly 1,500 items on sale, both in menswear and womenswear. Aamina Inayat Khan, StyleCaster, 30 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for selection 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for selection
Noun
  • Quinn Hughes, the choice to replace him, is not with Team USA due to some light chaos with Hughes’ NHL team, the Vancouver Canucks.
    Chris Branch, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025
  • There are so many great options to choose from that in the end, this choice purely comes down to preference.
    Derek Horner, Outdoor Life, 20 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • While details of the ceremony remain under wraps, there's a good bet that organizers will take a cue from the recent Grammy Awards, which tastefully and appropriately made heroic firefighters and fundraising a focus of the performance-rich night.
    Marco della Cava, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025
  • Given its relative rarity, though, your best bet at landing one is a direct order.
    Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Other amenities include the Parakeets Kid’s Club for young guests, St. Somewhere Spa for the grownups, and dining options for the whole family. 6.
    Beth Luberecki, USA TODAY, 10 Feb. 2025
  • This will also include selecting the options that will best communicate the impacts of space weather and most benefit modern-day end users and the public.
    Meredith Garofalo, Space.com, 9 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • In this Little Caesars Pizza ad, the pure delight inspired by a sampling of the pizza chain's new Crazy Puffs causes Eugene's famously bushy eyebrows to take flight, leaving panic and confusion in their wake.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 7 Feb. 2025
  • The Second Look Commission was established to review a sampling of severe child abuse cases to monitor state response and make policy recommendations to lawmakers on the issue.
    Vivian Jones, The Tennessean, 3 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Age was a hot topic in this most recent presidential election, especially after former President Joe Biden, 82, ended his reelection bid due to escalated concerns about his acuity.
    Savannah Kuchar, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025
  • President Trump, in his final rally before the election, invited Kelly to be one of the guest speakers, underscoring her resurgent influence.
    Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • In addition, the Ferrari comes with a mountain of documentation and samples of media coverage, including an extensive profile in the September 1966 issue of Road & Track magazine.
    Howard Walker, Robb Report, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Schools also can't use students' personal essays, writing samples, extracurriculars, or other cues as a means of determining or predicting race, the letter said.
    April Rubin, Axios, 17 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near selection

Cite this Entry

“Selection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/selection. Accessed 23 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on selection

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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