well-chosen

[ wel-choh-zuhn ]

adjective

1. chosen with care, as for suitability or preciseness:

   He entered at a well-chosen moment.

well-chosen

adjective

1. well chosen when postpositive carefully selected to produce a desired effect; apt

   a few well-chosen words may be more effective than a long speech

Word History and Origins

Origin of well-chosen¹

First recorded in 1580–90

Example Sentences

In 14 songs and 90 minutes, the lineup tore through a wide variety of mostly well-chosen material, including one new track, the raw, lilting, groove-heavy “Imminent Redemption.”

From Los Angeles Times

The next day the signs were placed in well-chosen parts of the island, leaning against trees or stones, with the arrow always pointing to his home, the log.

From Literature

Friedkin’s is spare and no-nonsense, ratcheting up the tension through well-chosen angles, lacerating cuts and performances that make vivid impressions even when allotted scant screen time.

From New York Times

A handful of well-chosen words — and I felt soothed, even touched by his positivity, which included, with that question mark at the end of his sentence, a hint of inclusiveness.

From New York Times

Its well-chosen symbols are hilariously, self-consciously, deliciously lame.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• apt
• opportune
• propitious
• telling