as in particular
tending to select carefully
we were highly selective about the music we listened to while trying out loudspeakers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Police have a long history of selective enforcement, even using these laws to target hate groups’ counter-protesters.
—
N. Goldberg, New York Daily News, 9 Apr. 2025
What followed was a season of passive-aggressive moments, sharp glances, selective invites, and pointed critiques that seemed to prove her very point.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 8 Apr. 2025
What are the benefits of using selective herbicides?
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2025
The duties will hit companies at a time when many consumers have become value-conscious and selective about spending due to persistent inflation and concerns about the economy.
—Melissa Repko,gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for selective
N. Goldberg, New York Daily News, 9 Apr. 2025
What followed was a season of passive-aggressive moments, sharp glances, selective invites, and pointed critiques that seemed to prove her very point.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 8 Apr. 2025
What are the benefits of using selective herbicides?
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2025
The duties will hit companies at a time when many consumers have become value-conscious and selective about spending due to persistent inflation and concerns about the economy.
—Melissa Repko,gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for selective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for selective
Adjective
-
Black women in particular have been using tools like flexi rods for generations.—
Bella Cacciatore,
Glamour,
10 Apr. 2025
-
One fire unit in particular specialized in collapsed structures.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
While tariffs may lead to consumers being more choosy, Link said the overall macroeconomic picture still looks positive, bolstered by lower interest rates, a steady job market and strong consumer savings.—
Lisa Kailai Han,
CNBC,
4 Mar. 2025
-
And by that time in her career, Salonga could be choosy.—
Robert Ito,
New York Times,
16 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Gregory’s picky eating has been a long-running gag on the show, but when Erica bails on a hard-to-get reservation, Barbara encourages Gregory to fill in so Janine doesn’t have to cancel.—
Ile-Ife Okantah,
Vulture,
29 Jan. 2025
-
Van Pay and Baumert are picky about words.—
Jack Truesdale,
The Atlantic,
25 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
After spending the last two seasons together at the University of Minnesota, it’s been nice having each other to lean on — and to geek out with.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
13 Apr. 2025
-
Not easy to do, but nice to come through tonight.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Selective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/selective. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share