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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Recent Examples of selective
The guidance followed an investigation into then-Netflix CEO Reed Hastings, who had been accused of violating the agency’s selective disclosure rules through a Facebook post, an incident that ultimately led the SEC to clarify how companies could use social platforms to share material information.
—
Rachel Ventresca, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2026
Unfortunately, Van Hollen’s selective outrage is representative of today’s Democratic Party, which puts its own partisan interests ahead of the interests of the country.
—Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 5 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for selective
Rachel Ventresca, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2026
Unfortunately, Van Hollen’s selective outrage is representative of today’s Democratic Party, which puts its own partisan interests ahead of the interests of the country.
—Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 5 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for selective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for selective
Adjective
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Sable has faced particular backlash over its efforts to restart a pipeline that ruptured in 2015, causing one of the biggest oil spills in state history.—
Clara Harter Los Angeles Times,
Arkansas Online,
15 Mar. 2026
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This had caused great dismay for my grandparents—my grandfather in particular.—
Han Ong,
New Yorker,
15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Investors have grown choosier, and shows are struggling to hit even their minimum capitalizations.—
Andrew Zucker,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Mar. 2026
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Coming off a 6-11 season and with limited salary-cap space, the Kansas City Chiefs will have to be choosy when determining which of their free agents to bring back for 2026 and beyond.—
Jesse Newell,
New York Times,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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If the labor market this year resembles last year’s, health care would again account for most of the job growth in the country and employers should start to get pickier.—
Conor Sen,
Twin Cities,
15 Mar. 2026
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If the labor market this year resembles last year’s, health care would again account for most of the job growth in the country and employers should start to get pickier.—
Conor Sen,
Boston Herald,
14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
While everyone was nice enough and ready to help when asked, the service is a bit more hands-off.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 Mar. 2026
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Each bonkers bit is a nice reminder not to take anything too seriously.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Selective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/selective. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
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