selective
adjective
se·lec·tive
sə-ˈlek-tiv 
2
: highly specific in activity or effect
selective pesticides
selective absorption
Examples of selective in a Sentence
The club is selective in choosing members.
The college has a highly selective admissions process.
Recent Examples on the Web
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
Perse’s business is primarily direct-to-consumer with a limited, selective wholesale distribution.
—Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 22 Apr. 2025
Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation This adjustment meant that Reigns would participate in a more selective number of events, primarily focusing on major Premium Live Events such as WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Royal Rumble, and Survivor Series, as well as the events held in Saudi Arabia.
—Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for selective
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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
Perse’s business is primarily direct-to-consumer with a limited, selective wholesale distribution.
—Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 22 Apr. 2025
Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation This adjustment meant that Reigns would participate in a more selective number of events, primarily focusing on major Premium Live Events such as WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Royal Rumble, and Survivor Series, as well as the events held in Saudi Arabia.
—Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for selective
Cite this Entry
“Selective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/selective. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
selective
adjective
se·lec·tive
sə-ˈlek-tiv
: of or relating to selection : selecting or tending to select
selective shoppers
Medical Definition
selective
adjective
se·lec·tive
sə-ˈlek-tiv
2
: highly specific in activity or effect
selective pesticides
selective permeability of a plasma membrane
selectively
adverb
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