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Synonyms

by choice

Idioms  
  1. 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.

See Examples For:

Join us on a time-travel adventure to the ’90s: If you’ve recently been paralyzed by choice or felt overconnected but underinvested in your friendships, Slate has an antidote for you.

From Slate Aug. 10, 2026

The feeling was familiar among her Los Angeles peers, many of whom had spent their 20s and 30s prioritizing other ambitions while delaying, whether by choice or economic necessity, conventional markers of adulthood.

From Los Angeles Times Jun. 29, 2026

Whether by choice or because they’ve finally had it with the brutal hiring landscape, some are leaving the workforce completely.

From MarketWatch Jun. 19, 2026

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

“I did not come by choice except as a friend,” he said.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck

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