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
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
-
In particular, the plaintiffs object to providing their 70 employees fully reimbursed access to PrEP.—
Joshua P. Cohen,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
-
Mamdani is tapping into a well of energetic support among young voters in particular, thanks in no small part to his stance on issues such as the Israel/Gaza conflict and trans rights.—
Emma Specter,
Vogue,
4 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
-
And by that time in her career, Salonga could be choosy.—
Robert Ito,
New York Times,
16 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Votive experts and picky people wax poetic about scents from Harry Styles, Courteney Cox, and more All products featured on Architectural Digest are independently selected by our editors.—
Nora Taylor,
Architectural Digest,
2 May 2025
-
There is even research that shows that color-blind men may be less likely to be picky eaters because their inability to discern clearly between colors hinders them from forming an emotional response to a food’s appearance.—
Bedatri D. Choudhury,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
There may be a nice bunch of grapes, a couple slices of melon, and a hunk of juicy homegrown tomato.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
3 May 2025
-
Elite firepower, stingy defense, and all-world goaltending to tie a nice bow on it.—
The Athletic NHL,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Selective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/selective. Accessed 18 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share