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
Experts attribute the slowdown to economic uncertainty, tariffs, federal funding cuts and a more selective capital environment.
—
Hang Nguyen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025
Some, like eyewear retailer Warby Parker, are trying to be selective and are trying to focus on raising prices on just their premium products as a way to offset the higher costs from tariffs.
—Nino Paoli, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2025
Another subtype is paltering, where the models use a selective true statement to mislead the human.
—IEEE Spectrum, 12 Aug. 2025
Canada, by contrast, has built a system that admits large numbers of immigrants but is selective in doing so.
—Alexander Kustov, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for selective
Hang Nguyen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025
Some, like eyewear retailer Warby Parker, are trying to be selective and are trying to focus on raising prices on just their premium products as a way to offset the higher costs from tariffs.
—Nino Paoli, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2025
Another subtype is paltering, where the models use a selective true statement to mislead the human.
—IEEE Spectrum, 12 Aug. 2025
Canada, by contrast, has built a system that admits large numbers of immigrants but is selective in doing so.
—Alexander Kustov, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for selective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for selective
Adjective
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Smart jewelry, in particular, has often prioritized surface-level features—mirroring phones, flashing lights—without addressing what relationships actually need: space to feel, respond, and grow.—
Sixteen Ramos,
USA Today,
21 Aug. 2025
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With its tennis court, pool, and rolling grounds, Anmer Hall remains a deeply personal sanctuary—one where Kate, in particular, has found comfort during her ongoing cancer treatment.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Known for being among the choosiest of the choosy buildings and the longtime home of Henry Kissinger, whose sprawling duplex, full of green upholstery and black candles — very Sister Parish — has yet to come on the market since his death.—
Kim Velsey,
Curbed,
13 Aug. 2025
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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
Adjective
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Over the years, she’s learned how to turn picky eaters into adventurous ones.—
Symiah Dorsey,
Southern Living,
14 Aug. 2025
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For parents navigating naps, picky eaters and sandy swimsuits, the all-inclusive model can be the ultimate travel hack.—
Michelle Stansbury,
Forbes.com,
9 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Both Trejo and Crowley rode in the 2025 Centennial Tucson Rodeo, a nice mirroring of the agency’s own 100-year history.—
Suzanne Wright,
USA Today,
21 Aug. 2025
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The in-between woman has a nice corporate job in a nice corporate office.—
Weike Wang,
Harpers Magazine,
20 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Selective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/selective. Accessed 29 Aug. 2025.
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