selection

noun

se·​lec·​tion sə-ˈlek-shən How to pronounce selection (audio)
Synonyms of selection
1
: the act or process of selecting : the state of being selected
2
: one that is selected : choice
also : a collection of selected things
3
: a natural or artificial process that results or tends to result in the survival and propagation of some individuals or organisms but not of others with the result that the inherited traits of the survivors are perpetuated compare darwinism, natural selection

Synonyms of selection

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choice, option, alternative, preference, selection, election mean the act or opportunity of choosing or the thing chosen.

choice suggests the opportunity or privilege of choosing freely.

freedom of choice

option implies a power to choose that is specifically granted or guaranteed.

the option of paying now or later

alternative implies a need to choose one and reject another possibility.

equally attractive alternatives

preference suggests a choice guided by one's judgment or predilections.

a preference for cool weather

selection implies a range of choice.

a varied selection of furniture

election implies an end or purpose which requires exercise of judgment.

doing a tax return forces certain elections on you

Examples of selection in a Sentence

The selection of the best poem was difficult. his selection of a running mate was a long, tedious affair
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Skilled Photoshop artists spent years mastering masking, selections and retouching techniques, only to watch AI remove a complex background with a single click. — New Atlas, 2 Aug. 2026 Heavy investment, lower margins, and continuous expansion of selection, convenience, and speed reflected a bet that creating and keeping customers at massive scale would produce durable returns. — Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 Its 600-vehicle and 100-motorcycle selection will represent the auction’s usual diversity, from a 1955 Chevrolet 3100 pickup truck to a 2023 Rolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge Mansory. — James Raia, Mercury News, 2 Aug. 2026 Here are a few cakes from that list, though the selection is worth a read. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for selection

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of selection was in 1583

Phrases Containing selection

Rhymes for selection

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Browse Nearby Words

selectee
selection
selection forest
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Cite this Entry

“Selection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/selection. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

selection

noun
se·​lec·​tion sə-ˈlek-shən How to pronounce selection (audio)
1
: the act of selecting : the state of being selected
selection of the best poem was difficult
cheered my selection as athlete of the year
2
a
: one that is selected : choice
b
: a collection of selected things
3
: any natural or artificial process that tends to favor the survival and reproduction of some individuals but not of others with the result that only the inherited characteristics of the favored individuals continue to be passed on

Medical Definition

selection

noun
se·​lec·​tion sə-ˈlek-shən How to pronounce selection (audio)
: a natural or artificial process that results or tends to result in the survival and propagation of some individuals or organisms but not of others with the result that the inherited traits of the survivors are perpetuated compare darwinism, natural selection

More from Merriam-Webster on selection

Nglish: Translation of selection for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about selection

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