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
While some locals are selective about downtown spots, the hotel has seen a growing mix of visitors and residents alike, with San Antonians stopping by for drinks at Bar 414 or sweets from Paris Baguette.
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Mar. 2026
In his third game back from a back injury, Suggs was more selective attacking his spots on the floor, scoring 10 points on 5 for 9 shooting with a team-high nine assists in 27 minutes.
—Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Mar. 2026
This recipe just happens to be both keto and paleo friendly, and even those at your table who are not selective about food will find this delicious.
—Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 4 Mar. 2026
Until that track record compounds, capital will remain selective.
—Maurizio Caio, semafor.com, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for selective
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Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Mar. 2026
In his third game back from a back injury, Suggs was more selective attacking his spots on the floor, scoring 10 points on 5 for 9 shooting with a team-high nine assists in 27 minutes.
—Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Mar. 2026
This recipe just happens to be both keto and paleo friendly, and even those at your table who are not selective about food will find this delicious.
—Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 4 Mar. 2026
Until that track record compounds, capital will remain selective.
—Maurizio Caio, semafor.com, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for selective
Cite this Entry
“Selective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/selective. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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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