CHOICE Synonyms: 297 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'choice' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of choice are alternative , election , option , preference , and selection . While all these words mean "the act or opportunity of choosing or the thing chosen," choice suggests the opportunity or privilege of choosing freely. // freedom of choice

Q: When might 'alternative' be a better fit than 'choice'?

The words alternative and choice can be used in similar contexts, but alternative implies a need to choose one and reject another possibility. // equally attractive alternatives

Q: When is 'election' a more appropriate choice than 'choice'?

Although the words election and choice have much in common, election implies an end or purpose which requires exercise of judgment. // doing a tax return forces certain elections on you

Q: When could 'option' be used to replace 'choice'?

While in some cases nearly identical to choice , option implies a power to choose that is specifically granted or guaranteed. // the option of paying now or later

Q: Where would 'preference' be a reasonable alternative to 'choice'?

The words preference and choice are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, preference suggests a choice guided by one's judgment or predilections. // a preference for cool weather

Q: When is it sensible to use 'selection' instead of 'choice'?

While the synonyms selection and choice are close in meaning, selection implies a range of choice. // a varied selection of furniture

choice 1 of 2

noun

ˈchȯis

Definition of choice next

as in option

the power, right, or opportunity to choose you have no choice: you have to go to the conference

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in bet

a person or thing that is chosen my choice for best song of all time

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

rejectee

as in best

individuals carefully selected as being the best of a class that school accepts only the choice of the city's crop of high school students

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in autonomy

the act or power of making one's own choices or decisions the prisoner had no choice but to do what he was told

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in election

the act or process of selecting you'll have to make a choice eventually

Synonyms & Similar Words

choice

2 of 2

adjective

as in select

having qualities that appeal to a refined taste choice chocolates for which chocolate lovers are willing to pay extra

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in excellent

of the very best kind thus far, the pool of applicants for the job has been less than choice

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in selected

singled out from a number or group as more to one's liking the restaurant offers a small but choice list of wines from some of Europe's finest viticultural regions

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun choice contrast with its synonyms?

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

freedom of choice

When might alternative be a better fit than choice?

The words alternative and choice can be used in similar contexts, but alternative implies a need to choose one and reject another possibility.

equally attractive alternatives

When is election a more appropriate choice than choice?

Although the words election and choice have much in common, election implies an end or purpose which requires exercise of judgment.

doing a tax return forces certain elections on you

When could option be used to replace choice?

While in some cases nearly identical to choice, option implies a power to choose that is specifically granted or guaranteed.

the option of paying now or later

Where would preference be a reasonable alternative to choice?

The words preference and choice are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, preference suggests a choice guided by one's judgment or predilections.

a preference for cool weather

When is it sensible to use selection instead of choice?

While the synonyms selection and choice are close in meaning, selection implies a range of choice.

a varied selection of furniture

Examples 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 choice

Noun

Considered one of the less controversial choices for Trump's new cabinet, Democrats are still likely to probe Bondi on her interpretation of the role of attorney general and commitment to the independence of the Justice Department. —

Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 15 Jan. 2025 Setting the primary action over the course of a single harrowing, misty night was a smart choice. —

David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Jan. 2025

Adjective

In the pro-choice moment from which Roe emerged, few thought that what happened in Dobbs could ever occur. —

Claudia Dreifus, CNN, 21 Jan. 2023 Word spread quickly in the country’s relatively small pro-life community—around 90 percent of Britons identify as pro-choice—and Colquhoun set up more groups around the U.K. —

Jessica Bateman, The New Republic, 9 Jan. 2023 See all Example Sentences for choice

Recent Examples of Synonyms for choice

Noun

Because there’s no active crane hunting season — sandhills aren’t even defined as a game bird in the state — farmers are left with two options.

Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 17 Jan. 2025
These cost concerns were less likely to occur with a more flexible option, such as my mom.

Christina Crawford, Parents, 16 Jan. 2025