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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Recent Examples of selective
So future agreements could involve cooler normalisation, selective security cooperation, quieter diplomacy and a slower expansion.
—
Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 15 May 2026
Wholesale will be equally selective, working with only one or two local partners.
—Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 15 May 2026
Much of the conversation around potential risks has centered on selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which are known as SSRIs and are the most prescribed class of antidepressants.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 14 May 2026
This trap is a moderate risk because, though both leaders can gain short-term political value from external toughness, the reality is their economies still need selective cooperation with each other to avoid self-harm.
—Newsweek Editors, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for selective
Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 15 May 2026
Wholesale will be equally selective, working with only one or two local partners.
—Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 15 May 2026
Much of the conversation around potential risks has centered on selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which are known as SSRIs and are the most prescribed class of antidepressants.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 14 May 2026
This trap is a moderate risk because, though both leaders can gain short-term political value from external toughness, the reality is their economies still need selective cooperation with each other to avoid self-harm.
—Newsweek Editors, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for selective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for selective
Adjective
-
Now better training methods and new technology—in particular, camera and radar networks that can precisely measure a ball’s movement and create three-dimensional models of a pitcher’s mechanics—have helped pitchers learn to throw harder and harder.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
17 May 2026
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That particular section, which sets new standards around warehouse operations and gives employees more information about company quotas and biometric surveillance, has drawn pushback from CBIA.—
P.R. Lockhart,
Hartford Courant,
17 May 2026
Adjective
-
The unique flavors are enough to impress even the choosiest casserole connoisseur.—
Emma Ashe,
Southern Living,
15 May 2026
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The increase in costs is yet to hit bookings, but passengers are being choosier about destinations.—
Tom Chivers,
semafor.com,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
Cherry laurel isn't super picky and will tolerate dry, poor, and alkaline soils, salt, as well as heavy pruning.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
17 May 2026
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Yet, the home run bets also have inviting betting odds, and being picky can be fruitful with only a few hits.—
Josh Shepardson,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
The comfortable seating area in the living room includes couches and armchairs set in front of the TV and fireplace for relaxing after a day on the slopes, and a dining table provides a nice spot to relax and eat.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 May 2026
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Sullivan made a nice play on the ball and then twisted out of a tackle and ran 15 yards to the goal line.—
Chris Hays,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Selective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/selective. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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