selection

noun

sə-ˈlek-shən How to pronounce selection (audio)
Definition of selectionnext
1
as in choice
the act or process of selecting his selection of a running mate was a long, tedious affair

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in bet
a person or thing that is chosen our selection was the third entrant in the dog show

Synonyms & Similar Words
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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

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 Gro-Low sumac (Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low’) is a selection of a fragrant sumac, made by Synnestvedt Nursery in Illinois. —Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2026 Jury selection for the trial will begin Monday. —Dave Savini, CBS News, 31 Jan. 2026 The striker was an EMGSCA All-State selection, helping lead Belmont to the Div. —Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 31 Jan. 2026 Wilson is a transfer from Missouri, who was a second-team All-SEC selection last season. —Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for selection
Recent Examples of Synonyms for selection
  1. choice
  2. bet
  3. option
  4. sampling
  5. election
  6. sample
Noun
  • This includes assessing how aircraft and engine design choices interact with existing airport infrastructure, such as taxiways, gates, and maintenance areas.
    — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 2 Feb. 2026
  • Travel to opposite ends of humanity’s timeline; body-hop your consciousness across chassis; take up your weapon of choice for a bloody werewolf hunt.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Feb. 2026
Definition of choice
Noun
  • Judging by the usual indicators — most important of which being the number of other Grammy nominations that each artist has — Thomas would appear to be the safe bet.
    — Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Both bets remain active, meaning they have not yet been resolved because an outcome has not been determined.
    — Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 26 Jan. 2026
Definition of bet
Noun
  • If the judge did take that step, the case would likely be reassigned either to another prosecutor’s office in a neighboring county or to the state Attorney General’s office – all options which come with their own drawbacks.
    — Andi Babineau, CNN Money, 2 Feb. 2026
  • To schedule an appointment, please call the Lottery Player Relations office at 844-887-6836, option 2.
    — Detroit Free Press Staff, Freep.com, 2 Feb. 2026
Definition of option
Noun
  • On the production front, Micron excels in advanced DRAM nodes, including the early sampling of 1-gamma DRAM using EUV.
    — Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Fans will enter through the main WM Phoenix Open entrance and enjoy an engaging experience on the walk to the iconic 16th hole with entertainment, beverage sampling and fun activations.
    — Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Definition of sampling
Noun
  • In the 2024 presidential election, then-Vice President Harris won the district over Trump by 69%-29%.
    — Kate Perez, USA Today, 2 Feb. 2026
  • Our association’s governing documents require annual elections to be held at a meeting of the unit owners.
    — Howard Dakoff, Chicago Tribune, 1 Feb. 2026
Definition of election
Noun
  • Testing is often done using a sample of blood to detect and quantify specific proteins.
    — Michal Ruprecht, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Wang is also interested in replicating the texture and aesthetics of tree bark in jacquard, particularly samples that are etched and carved.
    — Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 30 Jan. 2026
Definition of sample

Browse Nearby Words

selecting
selection
selections
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Selection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/selection. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on selection

Nglish: Translation of selection for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about selection

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