as in particular
tending to select carefully we were highly selective about the music we listened to while trying out loudspeakers

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of selective This double standard extends toward Washington’s selective engagement with international legal bodies and its inconsistent approach to sovereignty and intervention. Andrew Latham, The Conversation, 17 Mar. 2025 Basically, the Supreme Court concluded in 1999 that a non-citizen unlawfully in this country has no constitutional right to make a claim of selective enforcement as a defense against his deportation. Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 12 Mar. 2025 The Black List and WIF have announced the participants for the 2025 Episodic Lab. Seven up-and-coming television writers have been chosen for the selective and intensive Lab, which is now in its ninth year. Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 6 Mar. 2025 Moreover, while Ivy Plus schools and top-tier institutions can easily attract these students, less selective colleges struggle to compete. Scott White, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for selective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for selective
Adjective
  • However, Petty hasn't referenced a particular incident or driver while revealing his perspective on Kevin Harvick's Happy Hour podcast.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2025
  • These can take many forms, including internal (continuation funds), or secondary firms for LPs (buying a full stake) or GPs (to sell particular positions).
    Alex Lazarow, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • As the consumer gets increasingly choosy , Ma said Costco is also a preferable play because of its focus on value.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2024
  • Despite some recent sales shortfalls, Signet has been effectively navigating a highly price-promotional retail landscape where consumers have become increasingly choosy.
    David Moin, WWD, 1 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • The Detroit Red Wings can’t afford to be picky right now.
    Max Bultman, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
  • Arguably not, as the optical quality here is similar, and the lenses are similarly picky about head positioning, which is improved in the standard Quest 3. Follow me on Twitter.
    Andrew Williams, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The 2032 Olympics in Brisbane, Ruthe adds, would be a nice target.
    George Ramsay and Patrick Snell, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2025
  • The idea of painting a bird with such traditional meaning on a building set to house families who may be going through turbulent times is a nice message, signaling that calm waters are just ahead.
    Will McGough, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Selective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/selective. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

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