Synonyms

by choice

Idioms

Deliberately, as a matter of preference. For example, No one told me to come; I'm here by choice. This expression replaced the earlier with choice, used from about 1500.

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.

Whether it is by chance or by choice, Guardiola has found an XI that works together and seem to enjoy playing together too.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026

Kavanagh, 78, is a New Englander by birth and Californian by choice.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

Nada Reda Abu Sari, 82, however, has not stayed by choice.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

People forget about past follies, either by choice and/or because they’re distracted by the next shiny thing.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 6, 2026

Did he think anyone would stay in that stuffy cabin by choice?

From "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" by Elizabeth George Speare

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023