as in particular
tending to select carefully we were highly selective about the music we listened to while trying out loudspeakers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 When the gut microbiome is out of balance, the barrier becomes less selective, allowing unwanted molecules to enter. Merve Ceylan, Health, 25 Feb. 2025 As universities close en masse, the remainder might prove even more selective. Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025 His counsel states that the count should be dismissed as an instance of selective prosecution, as the Mann Act has a history of racist enforcement and is also known as the White-Slave Traffic Act. Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 19 Feb. 2025 For evolutionary biologists, this opens new windows into the past—one that compels us to reexamine the processes and selective pressures that gave rise to flight, refined locomotion and ultimately, the unparalleled diversity of birds today. Scott Travers, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for selective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for selective
Adjective
  • Built in the mid-2000s, the sprawling estate is a very particular vision of turn-of-the-21st-century luxury (see: the Tuscan kitchen replete with dark wood cabinetry).
    Paula Mejía, Billboard, 5 Mar. 2025
  • In particular, bail reform policies that let low-level offenders back on the streets were repeatedly blamed for the rash of crimes.
    Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • As the consumer gets increasingly choosy , Ma said Costco is also a preferable play because of its focus on value.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2024
  • Despite some recent sales shortfalls, Signet has been effectively navigating a highly price-promotional retail landscape where consumers have become increasingly choosy.
    David Moin, WWD, 1 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Dining and Culinary Experiences Everyone knows kids can be picky eaters, so Palmar Beach Resort offers a range of dining options as part of its Gourmet Culinary All-Inclusive Plan.
    Judy Koutsky, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • The obvious concern is that such a move could result in a loss of business, as there are always plenty of young publicists who are struggling to build their brands and eager to add a famous name to their client list without being too picky about contract terms.
    James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The ability to use either an AA or AAA battery is a nice touch, giving you options for weight and battery life.
    Shubham Yewale, PCMAG, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Creating comedy in which the principal characters are involved in crime does require some balance — worse criminals to contrast with the nicer ones, or a deserving or faceless target, or, as here, no other option.
    Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Selective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/selective. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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