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.
—
Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 6 Jan. 2026
Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations.
—Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 5 Jan. 2026
Familiarity could play a role in the next hire, but the bigger question will be if the new coordinator is once again placed by the front office like Eberflus was, or if Schottenheimer will get to handpick his choice.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Jan. 2026
Watch the Eras Tour documentary trailer Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations.
—Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 10 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handpick
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handpick
Verb
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Given the way her last-minute election over Worrell, a Black man, unfolded, Flynn and Murphy called for Breadon to reconsider her vice presidency pick, and select a councilor of color as her deputy rather than Coletta Zapata.—
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Sheppard, a 2011 NFL draft pick, was selected by the Buffalo Bills before playing for Indianapolis, Miami, New York and Detroit.—
Verb
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If a player chooses not to negotiate with the Panthers, that player will be unable to sign elsewhere, unless Carolina relinquishes his rights by not offering him a tender.—
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There are 23 colors to choose from, plus petite sizes S–XXL.—
Verb
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He was hand picked by Jeopardy producers to succeed Trebek before his passing, and even got the blessing of the longtime host's widow, Jean Trebek.—
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He was picked to play for Latvia in the Winter Olympics next month in Milan, Italy.—
Cite this Entry
“Handpick.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handpick. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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