SELECTIVE Synonyms: 17 Similar and Opposite Words

selective

adjective

sə-ˈlek-tiv

Definition of selective

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 Lehigh University is a selective Pennsylvania institution with a national reputation and a $2 billion endowment. — Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026 Changing times, with so many other options, allows Dan Hurley and his staff to be more selective than ever in choosing freshmen. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2026 Across in-state, out-of-state and international students, the most to least selective UC campuses for first-year admits in fall 2026 are listed below. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 7 Aug. 2026 As banks have become more selective, direct lenders have expanded their role by providing financing built around speed, flexibility, and asset-level underwriting. — Malana Vantyker, Miami Herald, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for selective

Recent Examples of Synonyms for selective

Adjective

That protected those particular areas from ordinary floods, but the team claims, removed much of the river system’s overflow capacity.

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 9 Aug. 2026
In a project narrative letter, developers point out that different zoning districts are allowed within a particular comprehensive-plan designation, like the low-density residential area.

— Rose Evans August 9, Idaho Statesman, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of particular

Adjective

Queen conchs are picky about their habitats Queen conchs are large marine gastropods, and can be found throughout the Caribbean Sea, around Bermuda and in the Florida Keys.

— Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 31 July 2026
Diners can eat outside picnic-style or take their meal to go, but either way, get ready for a satisfying option for even the pickiest of pallets.

— Gabi De la Rosa, Southern Living, 28 July 2026

Definition of picky

Browse Nearby Words

selections

selective

selectively

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Style

“Selective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/selective. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of selective

adjective

Example Sentences

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