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
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Recent Examples of selective
But the delisting was so selective in its application—targeting only seven banks out of hundreds in Russia—that the Russian economy actually grew in 2023 and 2024.
—
Michael Carpenter, Foreign Affairs, 1 July 2025
Still, with the utilities sector outperforming the S&P 500 this year, the bank is being selective.
—Michelle Fox, CNBC, 26 June 2025
Don’t feel bad about being selective since your friends should feel honored to be part of your life.
—Liz Simmons, StyleCaster, 24 June 2025
There’s a common misconception that being selective means limiting growth.
—Ken Thomas, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for selective
Michael Carpenter, Foreign Affairs, 1 July 2025
Still, with the utilities sector outperforming the S&P 500 this year, the bank is being selective.
—Michelle Fox, CNBC, 26 June 2025
Don’t feel bad about being selective since your friends should feel honored to be part of your life.
—Liz Simmons, StyleCaster, 24 June 2025
There’s a common misconception that being selective means limiting growth.
—Ken Thomas, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for selective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for selective
Adjective
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The comments from Samoan viewers in particular meant the world to her.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
1 July 2025
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But my contract got particular traction, maybe because of the circumstances.—
Barry M. Bloom,
Sportico.com,
1 July 2025
Adjective
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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
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And by that time in her career, Salonga could be choosy.—
Robert Ito,
New York Times,
16 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Finding fault that someone is smiling is really picky.—
Ticked Off,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 June 2025
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Don’t let anyone convince you that having standards is the same as being too picky.—
Anna Pulley,
Chicago Tribune,
26 June 2025
Adjective
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Specialty restaurants on Westerdam, which come at an extra cost, include Pinnacle Grill, a steakhouse-style affair serving prime steaks and seafood, and Canaletto, which does nice Italian fare.—
Susan B. Barnes,
Travel + Leisure,
1 July 2025
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There are women in nice dresses and sunglasses shopping for groceries and clothing at a general store.—
JoAnn DeLuna,
NPR,
30 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Selective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/selective. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
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