selective

adjective

se·​lec·​tive sə-ˈlek-tiv 

1

: of, relating to, or characterized by selection : selecting or tending to select

2

: highly specific in activity or effect

selective pesticides

selective absorption

selectively adverb

selectiveness noun

selectivity

sə-ˌlek-ˈti-və-tē 

ˌsē-

noun

Synonyms

• choosy
• choosey
• particular
• picky

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

With no predators, external threats or competitors, demodex mites have no selective pressures, Perotti explained. —Kameryn Griesser, CNN Money, 30 May 2025

In addition to the general tariffs, Trump launched selective reciprocal tariffs much higher than the 10% general charge. —Jeff Cox, CNBC, 30 May 2025

Being selective with help: Declining assistance that comes with the expectation that the couple will give up their preferences. —Darlin Tillery, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025

The gradient options are good for selective focus treatments. —PC Magazine, 28 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing selective

• selective breeding
• selective estrogen receptor modulator
• selective memory
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
• selective service

Rhymes for selective

• advective
• affective
• collective
• connective
• convective
• corrective
• defective
• detective
• directive
• effective
• elective
• infective

Kids 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 

1

: of, relating to, or characterized by selection : selecting or tending to select

2

: highly specific in activity or effect

selective pesticides

selective permeability of a plasma membrane

selectively adverb