Uncaught Error: Syntax error, unrecognized expression

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psy...@gmail.com

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Sep 29, 2015, 2:29:42 AM9/29/15
to select2
Hi there,

Firstly I would like to thank the team for Select2 - it is an absolute pleasure to work with and has thus for suited all my needs for my project.

I do however have one little issue that I am hitting my head on:

I have a rigged my Select2 to fetch Suburb data from our server via Ajax.
Unfortunately there are a few suburb names with the character '&' in.
When the list displays, the '&' displays correctly. However when I select the item from the list, i receive an Uncaught Error: Syntax error, unrecognized expression: 'Suburb Name & Bla bla'.

My script looks as follows at the moment

select.select2(
{
ajax: {
url: ajaxUrl,
dataType: 'json',
delay: 250,
data: function(params) {
return {
countryId: 1,
query: params.term
};
},
processResults: function (data) {

var results = [];
for (var i = 0; i < data.Suburbs.length; i++) {

results.push({
id: data.Suburbs[i].Id,
text: data.Suburbs[i].DisplayName,
});
}

return {
results: results
};
},
cache: false
},
closeOnSelect: false,
scapeMarkup: function (markup) {


return markup;

},
minimumInputLength: 3,
multiple: true,
});


Are there any options or tricks that I can do to still keep the ampersand displaying in my list of choices and after selection?

Thanks in advance

Kevin Brown

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Sep 29, 2015, 8:32:04 AM9/29/15
to select2

This is usually an issue triggered by a jQuery selector, and the solution is to properly escape it ahead of time. Do you have the full traceback so we can figure out what selector is causing the issue?

If you can also reproduce the issue in a jsbin, that would make it easier for us to later confirm that the issue was fixed.


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psy...@gmail.com

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Oct 6, 2015, 2:09:42 AM10/6/15
to select2, ke...@kevin-brown.com
Hi Kevin,

Many thanks for the reply, and my apologies that I have taken so long to respond. I found the cause to the problem. One of our devs extended jQuery.fn.extend: append function which was causing the sizzle error.

Thanks for your assistance!

Cheers

Toni Kroos

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Nov 22, 2025, 11:33:13 AM11/22/25
to select2
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Electric Bikes Backlinks

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Dec 26, 2025, 2:42:26 AM12/26/25
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  This looks like a classic HTML entity encoding issue in Select2. The list renders correctly because Select2 escapes markup by default, but when selecting an item, the encoded &amp; ends up being treated as part of a jQuery selector, which causes the error. A common fix is to explicitly control how text is escaped and ensure you’re passing raw text consistently (for example, using templateResult / templateSelection or properly configuring escapeMarkup). Issues like this are well documented, and step-by-step solutions can usually be found in solid Guides that cover Select2 edge cases and character encoding quirks.  

Emma Snow

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Dec 29, 2025, 6:23:21 AM12/29/25
to select2
Best Lawyers in United States provides expert legal guidance on complex issues, including New York prostitution laws 2024. Their team of top-rated attorneys ensures clients receive accurate advice and strong representation. With Best Lawyers in United States, navigating legal challenges has never been more reliable.
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Phill Jones

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Jan 17, 2026, 11:15:34 AMJan 17
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Gold Star Pressure Wash offers professional cleaning services that rejuvenate residential and commercial properties with precision and care. Specializing in Paver Sealing and Sanding Services on Long Island, the team helps preserve outdoor spaces while enhancing their natural appearance. Using proven techniques and high-quality materials, Gold Star Pressure Wash ensures durable results and a cleaner, more attractive property.

Chrome Store

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Apr 13, 2026, 9:41:22 AMApr 13
to select2

In Select2 implementations, a common challenge is managing large datasets in dropdowns without slowing down the UI or breaking search responsiveness.
A practical approach is to refine AJAX filtering and ensure proper tokenization so results stay relevant and lightweight during user input.
In some testing setups, people also reference APK while checking mobile wrapped interfaces or cross platform behavior in similar UI components.

caserne1830

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Apr 14, 2026, 5:12:42 AMApr 14
to select2
  The discussion around Select2 customization highlights how small UI decisions can impact usability and overall user experience in real projects.
A practical way to support this kind of work is by quickly testing and refining palettes using an online color tool, which helps keep interface choices consistent and accessible.
This ties back to the thread’s focus on improving frontend components by making design decisions more structured rather than relying on guesswork.  

Fatima Mehmood

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Apr 19, 2026, 4:52:55 PMApr 19
to select2

Discussions like this are really helpful when working with Select2, especially since handling things like grouping, AJAX data, or dynamic dropdown behavior can get tricky. It’s interesting how certain limitations (like nested optgroups) require alternative approaches such as using structured data instead. (Google Groups)

In a different context, having a smooth immiaccount login system on my website also helps users access and manage their applications easily without confusion. Appreciate everyone sharing their solutions here!

Emma Snow

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Apr 26, 2026, 2:58:00 PM (9 days ago) Apr 26
to select2
Salinas Valley Tribune is a trusted news source that delivers local updates, community stories, and regional developments. It covers important topics such as business, education, and public affairs to keep readers well informed. With its focus on accurate and timely reporting, Salinas Valley Tribune serves as a reliable voice for the community.

John Stick

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Apr 27, 2026, 4:43:51 AM (8 days ago) Apr 27
to select2

Fixing the “Uncaught Error: Syntax error, unrecognized expression” often involves checking selectors, escaping special characters, or correcting jQuery syntax. Just like choosing the right truck bed cover, precision matters to avoid frustrating issues.

Coils

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May 3, 2026, 1:13:01 PM (2 days ago) May 3
to select2

In the discussion around select2 in that thread, a lot of the focus is on making user choices smoother and more intuitive in interfaces. That same idea carries over to everyday planning too, where something like a Bedtime Calculator can simplify deciding when to sleep based on wake-up time and sleep cycles. It’s basically another way of reducing friction in routine decisions so things feel more structured without overthinking.

Florida

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12:58 PM (2 hours ago) 12:58 PM
to select2

Handling dynamic data or user selections in tools like Select2 often needs a clean backend flow so results stay consistent and responsive. In situations where items or services must be organized and retrieved efficiently, something like pick up movers fits naturally into a structured system that keeps options clear and easy to manage. It shows how even simple listings benefit from thoughtful handling to avoid clutter and improve user experience

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