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 Aside from the compression in market valuations, liquidity has weakened and investors have become more selective as the cost of capital and risk premiums have increased. — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2026 An extensive cemetery added to the impression of a flourishing urban center, as did what might have been part of a brewing complex found through selective excavations. — Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 29 Sep. 2026 That effort eventually found a powerful ally in Cruz, the chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, whose views on the Sherman Act have been notably selective. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 28 Sep. 2026 Their 2025 research also found that easier transit access increases enrollment in selective, generally higher-performing schools. — Brian O'Malley, Baltimore Sun, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for selective

Recent Examples of Synonyms for selective

Adjective

True crime stories also happen to be a particular forte for the creative team, stressed François Aramburu, co-producer at Fontaram Productions.

— Ed Meza, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
Someone with a visa valid for several more years, for example, might still be admitted for only a few months on a particular trip.

— Bailey Berg, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of particular

Adjective

Lawrence’s casting is a coup – for any studio, really – as the actress is known for being quite choosy.

— Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2026
Schumann has seen how Dan Lanning was choosy and didn’t leave a good situation until a job the caliber of Oregon came into the picture.

— Bruce Feldman, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of choosy

Adjective

In today’s uneven market, dealers and advisers are being especially picky about which fairs to attend.

— Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 7 Oct. 2026
But even Cruise has learned the hard way that moviegoers have become pickier about what’s worth getting off the couch for.

— Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of picky

Adjective

Also, a foul ball hit by almost any player would be a nice souvenir.

— Scott Simon, NPR, 10 Oct. 2026
Sure enough, there were a few hares in the field and the grass was just long enough to give a bit of protection to the hares and set a nice backdrop for the photographs.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of nice

Browse Nearby Words

selections

selective

selectively

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Selective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/selective. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of selective

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

galore

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes