selective
adjective
se·lec·tive
sə-ˈlek-tiv 
2
: highly specific in activity or effect
selective pesticides
selective absorption
Synonyms of selective
Examples of selective in a Sentence
The club is selective in choosing members.
The college has a highly selective admissions process.
Recent Examples on the Web
This selective approach came after years of working intensively to support her two sons as a single mother.
—
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Dec. 2025
Although Maersk has been shy about publicly committing to a return date to the Red Sea on a full-time basis, reports suggest the company may be gearing up for a selective comeback.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 4 Dec. 2025
And Macy's said in its news release that its outlook anticipates two challenging dynamics – selective spending by consumers and higher tariffs – will persist in the holiday quarter.
—Melissa Repko, CNBC, 3 Dec. 2025
Without any pending case or controversy — as Article III of the Constitution requires before a matter may come before a court — all remaining motions, including those seeking dismissal for vindictive or selective prosecution and prosecutorial misconduct, are void as well.
—Barbara McQuade, Mercury News, 2 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for selective
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Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Dec. 2025
Although Maersk has been shy about publicly committing to a return date to the Red Sea on a full-time basis, reports suggest the company may be gearing up for a selective comeback.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 4 Dec. 2025
And Macy's said in its news release that its outlook anticipates two challenging dynamics – selective spending by consumers and higher tariffs – will persist in the holiday quarter.
—Melissa Repko, CNBC, 3 Dec. 2025
Without any pending case or controversy — as Article III of the Constitution requires before a matter may come before a court — all remaining motions, including those seeking dismissal for vindictive or selective prosecution and prosecutorial misconduct, are void as well.
—Barbara McQuade, Mercury News, 2 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for selective
Cite this Entry
“Selective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/selective. Accessed 8 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
selective
adjective
se·lec·tive
sə-ˈlek-tiv
: of or relating to selection : selecting or tending to select
selective shoppers
Medical Definition
selective
adjective
se·lec·tive
sə-ˈlek-tiv
2
: highly specific in activity or effect
selective pesticides
selective permeability of a plasma membrane
selectively
adverb
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