SELECTION Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

selection

noun

sə-ˈlek-shən

Definition of selection next

as in choice

the act or process of selecting his selection of a running mate was a long, tedious affair

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in bet

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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 The selection wasn’t that great. —

Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 14 Mar. 2026 Edmonds had 10 double-doubles in the final 13 games and earned a third-team All-Big 12 selection. —

Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Mar. 2026 Centerpiece selections include The Christophers, directed by Steven Soderbergh, and Poetic License, the directorial debut of Maude Apatow. —

Matthew Carey, Deadline, 14 Mar. 2026 Plant selection is an important element. —

The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for selection

Recent Examples of Synonyms for selection

Noun

After that, the remainder of your estate might be left to a cause or charity of your choice.

— Jeanne Phillips, Dallas Morning News, 16 Mar. 2026
Your natural initiative helps groups move again, while a brief pause keeps choices thoughtful instead of reactive.

— Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 16 Mar. 2026

Definition of choice

Browse Nearby Words

selecting

selection

selections

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Selection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/selection. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.

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Last Updated: 17 Mar 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of selection

noun

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Example Sentences

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