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Definitions

picking

[pik-ing] / ˈpɪk ɪŋ /
NOUN
choosing
Synonyms
STRONG
culling deciding electing separating
WEAK
choice election exercising judgment making a choice making up one's mind option selection
NOUN
selecting
Synonyms
STRONG
appointing culling denominating determining electing indicating isolating separating
WEAK
appointment choice denomination determination election isolation selection separation
NOUN
selection
Synonyms
STRONGEST
choice collection draft election excerpt option pick
STRONG
alternative druthers lineup
WEAK
choosing culling
Antonyms
WEAK
refusal rejection

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But despite picking up the bill, fashion houses still need to run every proposed guest past the queen of fashion herself.

From BBC • May 3, 2026

So, rather than picking up your infant every time they start to scream, you wait a bit, maybe two minutes, before going in and saying something comforting, rather than soothing them back to sleep.

From Slate • May 3, 2026

Spending by the federal government rose at a 9.3% rate, picking up strongly from a 16.6% contraction in the prior quarter.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

What is your starting point for picking stocks?

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

Was he picking up on Akira’s fear and the urgency of their run through the woods, or was he sensing something more?

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz