Synonyms of selection

selection

noun

sə-ˈlek-shən 

1

as in choice

the act or process of selecting

his selection of a running mate was a long, tedious affair

Synonyms & Similar Words

• choice
• election
• selecting
• nomination
• choosing
• decision
• picking
• option
• appointment
• naming
• designation
• assignment

2

as in bet

a person or thing that is chosen

our selection was the third entrant in the dog show

Synonyms & Similar Words

• choice
• bet
• favorite
• pick
• candidate
• option
• chosen
• nominee
• nomination
• preference
• liking
• designation
• appointment
• appointee
• like
• preselection
• elective
• selectee

3

as in option

the power, right, or opportunity to choose

the inn's table d'hôte is excellent, but there's very limited selection

Synonyms & Similar Words

• option
• choice
• preference
• alternative
• way
• pick
• election
• liberty
• discretion
• vote
• volition
• determination
• druthers
• will
• voice
• free will
• say
• liking
• predilection
• tendency
• propensity
• penchant
• judgment
• inclination
• partiality
• discernment
• proclivity
• perspicacity

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• force
• coercion
• duty
• obligation
• duress
• Hobson's choice

4

as in sampling

a number of things selected from a group to stand for the whole

a selection of the company's latest line of products for display at the trade show

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sampling
• sample
• cross section
• sampler
• slice
• example
• instance
• representative
• specimen
• illustration
• paradigm
• prototype
• exemplification
• case
• classic
• exemplar
• archetype
• microcosm
• locus classicus

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

Recent Examples of selection

The Lights on Women’s Worth prize recognizes a standout female filmmaker from the festival’s Short Film and La Cinef film school selections, with 16 films eligible for this year’s award. —Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 23 May 2026

To tell the story of a squad selection that has prompted outrage in some quarters and delight in others, The Athletic has spoken to multiple sources, all of whom did so on the condition of anonymity to protect relationships. —Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 23 May 2026

Pelinka pointed to Redick’s trust in rookie Adou Thiero – the team’s second-round selection in the 2025 draft – during the playoffs as proof of the team’s ongoing player development with youth. —Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 23 May 2026

Jury selection continued Friday in Woodland ahead of Carlos Reales Dominguez’s second murder trial in the deadly Davis knife attacks that left two men dead, a woman grievously wounded and a city terrorized in 2023. —Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 23 May 2026