Definition of selectivenext
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 Consumer goods companies are sharpening their focus and strategically reassessing their portfolios as former growth drivers cool, and consumers are increasingly selective amid rising living costs. Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2026 Sales companies are more selective, and even films coming out of major festivals are not guaranteed a pickup. Lise Pedersen, Variety, 22 Apr. 2026 As the labor market becomes more selective, the burden increasingly shifts to candidates to stand out earlier and more strategically. Alyssa Ferro-Lloret, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2026 And those ecosystems are increasingly selective. Angelique Kuiper, Rolling Stone, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for selective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for selective
Adjective
  • If the particular coat isn’t available anymore, consider a gift card.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • This particular instance, however, departs from cliché in important ways.
    Susan Tallman, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Investors have grown choosier, and shows are struggling to hit even their minimum capitalizations.
    Andrew Zucker, HollywoodReporter, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Coming off a 6-11 season and with limited salary-cap space, the Kansas City Chiefs will have to be choosy when determining which of their free agents to bring back for 2026 and beyond.
    Jesse Newell, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Even worse, deer aren’t very picky.
    SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 26 Apr. 2026
  • The other reason for picky old rockers to show up is that this company achieves some very powerful harmonics on many of those songs, utilizing Marriott’s immersive capabilities.
    Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Five is nice, but 17 straight is a dynasty unparalleled in City Section history.
    Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Just the shops and the overall setting is really nice.
    Anne Kadet, Curbed, 29 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Selective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/selective. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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