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
At most selective schools, this means 1400+ on the SAT or 31+ on the ACT.
—
Gerald Bradshaw, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2025
So highly selective schools are seeking students who are the first to attend college in their family, visiting communities in rural areas and expanding financial aid for low-income students.
—Stephanie Saul, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
The model mirrors what high-end admissions consultants offer for top-tier universities but applies it to one of the most selective industries in the world.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
The most selective institutions sometimes take a more cautious approach to deferrals, particularly when managing precise class sizes or specialized programs.
—Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for selective
Gerald Bradshaw, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2025
So highly selective schools are seeking students who are the first to attend college in their family, visiting communities in rural areas and expanding financial aid for low-income students.
—Stephanie Saul, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
The model mirrors what high-end admissions consultants offer for top-tier universities but applies it to one of the most selective industries in the world.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
The most selective institutions sometimes take a more cautious approach to deferrals, particularly when managing precise class sizes or specialized programs.
—Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for selective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for selective
Adjective
-
Over the past several decades, Wallen’s particular lyrical fascinations have grown impossibly coded, becoming shorthand for an entire world view.—
Amanda Petrusich,
New Yorker,
16 May 2025
-
However, this particular security unit isn’t exactly a company-grade issue.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
16 May 2025
Adjective
-
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
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And by that time in her career, Salonga could be choosy.—
Robert Ito,
New York Times,
16 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Sometimes gratitude came easily, such as when Deb helped their kids, who were picky eaters, become more adventurous.—
Rhaina Cohen,
The Atlantic,
11 May 2025
-
Although Noel is a little undersized for the position, the Bills haven’t been picky about those measurables in the Z receiver position in the past.—
Joe Buscaglia,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The Half Dome comes with a footprint, which is a rarity these days, and nice to have.—
Scott Gilbertson,
Wired News,
16 May 2025
-
However, a very nice man let us in, much to the chagrin of a lady who did not want to let us in.—
Baz Bamigboye,
Deadline,
16 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Selective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/selective. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
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