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

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 Police have a long history of selective enforcement, even using these laws to target hate groups’ counter-protesters. N. Goldberg, New York Daily News, 9 Apr. 2025 What followed was a season of passive-aggressive moments, sharp glances, selective invites, and pointed critiques that seemed to prove her very point. Shelby Stewart, Essence, 8 Apr. 2025 What are the benefits of using selective herbicides? Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2025 The duties will hit companies at a time when many consumers have become value-conscious and selective about spending due to persistent inflation and concerns about the economy. Melissa Repko,gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for selective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for selective
Adjective
  • Black women in particular have been using tools like flexi rods for generations.
    Bella Cacciatore, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025
  • One fire unit in particular specialized in collapsed structures.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 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
  • Gregory’s picky eating has been a long-running gag on the show, but when Erica bails on a hard-to-get reservation, Barbara encourages Gregory to fill in so Janine doesn’t have to cancel.
    Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 29 Jan. 2025
  • Van Pay and Baumert are picky about words.
    Jack Truesdale, The Atlantic, 25 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • After spending the last two seasons together at the University of Minnesota, it’s been nice having each other to lean on — and to geek out with.
    Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Not easy to do, but nice to come through tonight.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Selective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/selective. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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