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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of selective
Guichot highlighted the strategic reshaping of SMCP’s global footprint, including 32 net store closures and selective expansion via partners in 10 new markets across South America, the Balkans, Eastern Europe and India.
—
Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 26 Feb. 2026
Addressing Modern Behavior Patterns Verification tools such as these address behavior patterns such as preemptive ignoring, digital curiosity, and selective responsiveness, all of which have become more common in recent years.
—Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 26 Feb. 2026
This selective application reflects a historical pattern of policies designed to control Latino population growth while promoting fertility among white Americans.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026
These can include import licensing requirements, selective regulatory hurdles, national security reviews to block foreign investment, and restrictions on market access for foreign service providers.
—Mohammad N. Elahee, Hartford Courant, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for selective
Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 26 Feb. 2026
Addressing Modern Behavior Patterns Verification tools such as these address behavior patterns such as preemptive ignoring, digital curiosity, and selective responsiveness, all of which have become more common in recent years.
—Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 26 Feb. 2026
This selective application reflects a historical pattern of policies designed to control Latino population growth while promoting fertility among white Americans.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026
These can include import licensing requirements, selective regulatory hurdles, national security reviews to block foreign investment, and restrictions on market access for foreign service providers.
—Mohammad N. Elahee, Hartford Courant, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for selective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for selective
Adjective
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This particular shipment likely set sail from Quanzhou, a port on China’s eastern coast that was close to the creative heartlands in the Fujian, Zhejiang and Jiangxi provinces, bound for Temasek, according to Flecker.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
28 Feb. 2026
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Intentionally or not, this particular piece channels the emerald Cartier necklace Marjorie Merriweather Post wore to the Palm Beach Everglades Ball in 1929, a transfixing way to make an entrance.—
Kathryn O’Shea-Evans,
Robb Report,
28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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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
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Be choosy about compost and soil amendments.—
Dr. Avishesh Neupane,
Hartford Courant,
7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Sugar, butter, eggs, and your choice of thickening agent (flour or cornmeal or a combo of both), come together to make a luscious custard filling that will please even the pickiest of pie eaters.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
28 Feb. 2026
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Cuyana’s System Zipper Tote is another favorite among picky InStyle shopping editors.—
Kyra Surgent,
InStyle,
25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Neemias Queta made all three of his field goals in the opening quarter, including a nice turnaround hook shot over Jokic and a last-second alley-oop from Pritchard, whose penchant for buzzer-beaters likely drew Denver’s attention away from the lurking big man.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
26 Feb. 2026
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The Executive Rooms have cushy beds, nice hardwood floors, spa showers, jetted tubs, a super-ergonomic office chair, and energizing views of Metcalfe Street.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Selective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/selective. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.
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