This study presents a systematic methodology for selecting standard word forms in The Contemporary Chinese Dictionary, based on three hierarchical principles: universality, motivation, and systematicity. We establish a clear-decision-making framework that prioritizes these principles while allowing for their interplay in complex cases. Our analysis reveals that when variant forms exhibit different types of motivations, their relative weights must be evaluated. In cases where variants share equivalent semantic motivation, usage frequency (universality) becomes the determining factor. Similarly, when semantic motivation is equivalent and usage frequency is comparable, systematicity guides the selection. For variants lacking semantic basis, or when one form shows overwhelming and stable frequency, universality takes precedence. This progressive decision-making framework offers high operational value for lexicographers and has successfully resolved the majority of variant selection challenges in dictionary compilation. The methodology provides valuable insights for both modern Chinese dictionary compilation and the standardization of variant words in official documentation.