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 From that selection of near-winners, fans will vote on their favorite secret menu drink, and the champion will get the $25,000 grand prize. —Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 14 July 2025 Here’s a selection of ten of those stunning photographs. —Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 July 2025 The Royals added another prep prospect with their PPI selection. —Kansas City Star, 14 July 2025 The White Sox at 32-65 are struggling in last place of the AL Central and also had zero all-star selections for the 2025 All-Star Game. —Devon Henderson, Oc Register, 13 July 2025 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
  • The Falcon 9 is routinely the rocket of choice to launch NASA astronaut missions to the International Space Station and is the exclusive launch provider for Musk's Starlink satellite deliveries.
    — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 26 July 2025
  • Between the heat and sweltering humidity, long pants aren’t typically our first choice when getting dressed in the summer.
    — Emily Weaver, People.com, 26 July 2025
Definition of choice
Noun
  • The time to place bets is before the market punishes you for being slow.
    — Dev Patnaik, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • Those bets might have a better chance of settling as a win and giving you the $150 in bonus bets.
    — Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 July 2025
Definition of bet
Noun
  • The Colorado college town beat out Cincinnati and Salt Lake City after the festival brass started exploring relocation options in 2024, with Boulder chosen for its mountain views reminiscent of Park City’s own as well as its vibrant arts community.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 14 July 2025
  • While opting for the white colorway will offer coastal appeal, like the brand’s Loire headboard, this one has tons of fabric options to personalize its design to match your aesthetic.
    — Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 14 July 2025
Definition of option
Noun
  • Yeah, her interior voice is like an endless sampling of everything around her.
    — Jane Ciabattari July 8, Literary Hub, 8 July 2025
  • The problem was discovered during routine sampling conducted by the company, which showed the presence of the bacteria in the finished product.
    — Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
Definition of sampling
Noun
  • Turkish voters punished him and his Justice and Development Party (AKP) in local elections last year.
    — Jesse Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
  • If the mayor and his bloc won’t act, voters will in the next election.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 15 July 2025
Definition of election
Noun
  • General admission tickets are $25 for entry to the event at 1 p.m. Tickets include admission, three taco tickets plus five margarita samples.
    — Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 23 July 2025
  • Water samples will be tested in Northwest Arkansas, rather than Little Rock, to speed up the process.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 July 2025
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 29 Jul. 2025.

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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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