as in particular
tending to select carefully
we were highly selective about the music we listened to while trying out loudspeakers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of selective
In a volatile job market where top talent is more selective than ever, coaching is no longer optional.
—
Nia Bowers, USA Today, 18 June 2025
Recommended As more troops enter Los Angeles, dueling narratives over how to keep the peace
The same journey to the assembly hall happened whether your school was private and fee-paying, selective and religious, or state-run and open to all.
—Katie Marie Davies, Christian Science Monitor, 11 June 2025
Although selective control of neuronal activity is a formidable challenge, progress in gene therapy for patients with cancer and other rare diseases offers hope for more effective alcohol use disorder treatments with fewer side effects.
—Gilles Martin, The Conversation, 10 June 2025
The highly selective program awards about 9,000 scholarships annually in the U.S. and in more than 160 other countries to students, scholars, and professionals in a range of fields.
—Cheyanne Mumphrey, Christian Science Monitor, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for selective
Nia Bowers, USA Today, 18 June 2025
Recommended As more troops enter Los Angeles, dueling narratives over how to keep the peace
The same journey to the assembly hall happened whether your school was private and fee-paying, selective and religious, or state-run and open to all.
—Katie Marie Davies, Christian Science Monitor, 11 June 2025
Although selective control of neuronal activity is a formidable challenge, progress in gene therapy for patients with cancer and other rare diseases offers hope for more effective alcohol use disorder treatments with fewer side effects.
—Gilles Martin, The Conversation, 10 June 2025
The highly selective program awards about 9,000 scholarships annually in the U.S. and in more than 160 other countries to students, scholars, and professionals in a range of fields.
—Cheyanne Mumphrey, Christian Science Monitor, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for selective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for selective
Adjective
-
All three platforms can cite one particular business for helping drive recent success: financial services.—
Lionel Lim,
Fortune,
22 June 2025
-
And everyone’s taking sides in this particular feud.—
Lissete Lanuza Sáenz,
StyleCaster,
21 June 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
-
And by that time in her career, Salonga could be choosy.—
Robert Ito,
New York Times,
16 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Cherry laurel isn't super picky and will tolerate dry, poor, and alkaline soils, salt, as well as heavy pruning.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
10 June 2025
-
For younger children or more picky eaters, start with something simple and approachable, like steaming edamame (young soybeans) or adding black beans to a cheesy quesadilla.—
Dr. Kelly Fradin,
CNBC,
20 May 2025
Adjective
-
Nevertheless, nice to get an explanation for why Vondrousova has been invisible.—
James Hansen,
New York Times,
21 June 2025
-
Every single crewmember, everyone who worked on the show, along with the actors, every person on this show was so hard-working and dedicated and so genuinely nice.—
Lexi Carson,
HollywoodReporter,
20 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Selective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/selective. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share