Definition of selectivenext
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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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 Conceiving and creating every garment entirely in Italy, the label focuses on selective sourcing, using exceptional fabrics from renowned silk mills and textile manufacturers in the country. Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 11 June 2026 The selective application of trafficking claims The narco-terrorism label was selectively applied not only to left-wing guerrillas but to the two communist governments in Latin America. Michelle D. Paranzino, The Conversation, 11 June 2026 Scrape off small infestations by hand or through selective pruning at any time. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 11 June 2026 Keep the solution away from other plants, as vinegar is a non-selective weed killer that can damage desirable plants. Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for selective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for selective
Adjective
  • Ten steps to his right, safety Bryan Cook sat on the floor, silent and still, shirt off, staring forward but toward nothing in particular.
    Sam McDowell Updated December 8, Kansas City Star, 8 Dec. 2025
  • Responses are for informational purposes only and individuals should consider whether any general recommendation in these responses are suitable for their particular circumstances based on investment objectives, financial situation and needs.
    Steve Hruby, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • The service attempts to live up to that promise by respecting how choosy the clients are, coddling their perfectionism.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 9 June 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • In my friend group, assigning rooms on a trip tends to be a Hunger Games-style competition that would put even the pickiest Housewives to shame.
    Michele Corriston, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026
  • The tour gives him a chance to both demonstrate his physical fitness at a time of heightened awareness of the nation’s aging political leaders and to introduce himself to the state’s notoriously picky voters before the rest of the field swoops in after the November midterms.
    Steven Sloan, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2026
Adjective
  • After Silseth, though, the Angels’ relievers did a nice job and the hitters executed in the 10th to push home the winner.
    Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 11 June 2026
  • Gavin theorizes that maybe everything is a little too nice, a little too boring, and Kenny wants some more passion in his relationship.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 10 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Selective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/selective. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.

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