pick and choose
Select at will
To pick and choose is to select carefully from available options, often with the implication of being overly selective or fussy.
The phrase emphasizes deliberate discrimination rather than taking what's offered: You can't pick and choose which rules to follow.
Sometimes used critically to suggest someone is being too particular: She picks and chooses her assignments.
Select individually with care
- cullSelective removal
- weed outRemove unwanted elements
- filterPorous separation device
- siftSeparate coarse from fine
sort · screen · eliminate · reject · pass over · skip · omit · exclude
Mixed collection of things
- selectionChosen item or items
- optionsAvailable courses of action
- alternativesOther available options
- rangeExtent of variation
array · choices · possibilities · candidates · offerings · menu · spread · lineup
Absence of unjust constraint
- autonomyIndependent decision-making capacity
- flexibilityAbility to adapt easily
- choiceAct of selecting
- latitudeGeographic or personal freedom
discretion · leeway · agency · empowerment · free will · self-determination · independence · volition
Choosing with care
- fussyExcessively particular
- particularSpecific or fussy
- discerningHaving keen judgment
- discriminatingShowing careful judgment
finicky · fastidious · meticulous · exacting · demanding · critical · judgmental · persnickety
Most preferred choices
- tasteFlavor perception ability
- inclinationDisposition toward something
- predilectionPreexisting preference or bias
- fondnessWarm liking or affection
liking · affinity · penchant · leaning · predisposition · propensity · partiality · bent
handpick
Select individually with care
sift · sort · screen · eliminate · reject · pass over · skip · omit · exclude · narrow down
assortment
Mixed collection of things
- selectionChosen item or items
- optionsAvailable courses of action
- alternativesOther available options
range · array · choices · possibilities · candidates · offerings · menu · spread · lineup · smorgasbord
liberty
Absence of unjust constraint
- autonomyIndependent decision-making capacity
- flexibilityAbility to adapt easily
- choiceAct of selecting
latitude · discretion · leeway · agency · empowerment · free will · self-determination · independence · volition · privilege
selective
Choosing with care
- fussyExcessively particular
- particularSpecific or fussy
- discerningHaving keen judgment
discriminating · finicky · fastidious · meticulous · exacting · demanding · critical · judgmental · persnickety · nitpicky
favorites
Most preferred choices
- tasteFlavor perception ability
- inclinationDisposition toward something
- predilectionPreexisting preference or bias
fondness · liking · affinity · penchant · leaning · predisposition · propensity · partiality · bent · disposition
- decisionschoice, make a decision, choices, yes, no