as in to select
to decide to accept (someone or something) from a group of possibilities
handpicked what she considered to be the cutest kitten from the litter
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Recent Examples of handpick
Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations.
—
Monica Garske, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026
Panarin holds a full no-movement clause, which gives him the power to shop around and handpick his next team.
—Vincent Z. Mercogliano, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations.
—Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 31 Jan. 2026
Eventim Apollo – London, United Kingdom September 26: O2 Apollo – Manchester, United Kingdom
September 27: O2 Academy – Glasgow, United Kingdom
October 1: SSE Arena – Belfast, United Kingdom
Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations.
—Bryan West, Nashville Tennessean, 4 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handpick
Monica Garske, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026
Panarin holds a full no-movement clause, which gives him the power to shop around and handpick his next team.
—Vincent Z. Mercogliano, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations.
—Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 31 Jan. 2026
Eventim Apollo – London, United Kingdom September 26: O2 Apollo – Manchester, United Kingdom
September 27: O2 Academy – Glasgow, United Kingdom
October 1: SSE Arena – Belfast, United Kingdom
Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations.
—Bryan West, Nashville Tennessean, 4 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handpick
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handpick
Verb
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Meanwhile, despite Forrest Gump’s insight about the unknowns inside every box of chocolates, some 43% of Americans do consult the guide that comes with most boxes before selecting a treat.—
Andrea Riquier,
USA Today,
13 Feb. 2026
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That structure can support the kind of consistent protein intake experts recommend for maintaining muscle and energy during perimenopause and menopause, especially when meals are selected in the roughly 25- to 35-gram protein range.—
Rita Templeton,
Flow Space,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In an industry that has historically pushed Latin artists to translate themselves, soften their edges, or neutralize their identity to become global stars, Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio chose the opposite.—
Rocio Munoz,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
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Bedding purists can choose between brilliant white or a no-nonsense grey—either way, expect crisp bedding meant for airy nights.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
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When Warren went to pick her up at her parents' house, her brothers, Kevin, Reggie and Wayne, surrounded him.—
Everett Eaton,
jsonline.com,
10 Feb. 2026
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These cities were picked for their real estate, ideal locations and unique activities.—
Paige Moore,
AZCentral.com,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Handpick.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handpick. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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