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
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Recent Examples of selective
The techniques of repression have become so refined that, as in Iran thus far, popular uprisings have been suppressed by efficient riot control and selective arrests and murders.
—
Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 4 Jan. 2026
Another study clarified this by showing that readers of print media exhibit more selective and intentional reading behavior.
—Chicago Tribune, 3 Jan. 2026
The 8-speed automatic transmission was smooth and crisp, while the five selective drive modes ensured fun for every driving style.
—Marc D Grasso, Hartford Courant, 3 Jan. 2026
Aside from the schedule, Abell had to deal with the difficulties that come with being a first-year coach at an academically prestigious — and selective — private university.
—Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 1 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for selective
Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 4 Jan. 2026
Another study clarified this by showing that readers of print media exhibit more selective and intentional reading behavior.
—Chicago Tribune, 3 Jan. 2026
The 8-speed automatic transmission was smooth and crisp, while the five selective drive modes ensured fun for every driving style.
—Marc D Grasso, Hartford Courant, 3 Jan. 2026
Aside from the schedule, Abell had to deal with the difficulties that come with being a first-year coach at an academically prestigious — and selective — private university.
—Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 1 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for selective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for selective
Adjective
-
The exterior sides of the oven, in particular, may need to be deep cleaned to remove spills and splatters that drip down the sides of the unit when cooking.—
Jolie Kerr,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Jan. 2026
-
Testing out serums, in particular, takes a lot of trial and error.—
Michelle Baricevic,
InStyle,
14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Saleh figures to be choosy about which jobs to pursue.—
Jerry McDonald,
Mercury News,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Between price hikes due to tariffs and inflation, sagging consumer confidence, and shoppers becoming choosier than ever, retailers had plenty to overcome this holiday season.—
David Moin,
Footwear News,
26 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
My picky kids specifically ask for this.—
Nellah Bailey McGough,
Southern Living,
2 Jan. 2026
-
Vionic Kimmie Court Sneakers This Vionic Galia sneaker sale is so good that my picky 60-year-old mom and I are both running to checkout.—
Kyra Surgent,
InStyle,
29 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
Still, the balcony was a wonderful thing to have, a breath of fresh air when the weather was nice.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
22 Jan. 2026
-
Abby, that restaurant has very nice bathrooms.—
Jeanne Phillips,
Mercury News,
22 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Selective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/selective. Accessed 24 Jan. 2026.
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