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
For families who have highly selective colleges in mind for their children, there is one very important thing to keep in mind: Your A student is not exceptional or gifted.
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Bonnie Kleffman, Austin American-Statesman, 6 Dec. 2024
The current format is still more selective than the league employed in its first 11 seasons.
—Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
There has been an effort to break Hunter – who has been five and a half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution.
—Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 3 Dec. 2024
Hunter’s lawyers had tried to get both criminal cases dismissed, arguing again that the charges were borne out of a selective and unfair prosecution, but neither judge was swayed.
—Matt Hamilton, Los Angeles Times, 2 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for selective 
Bonnie Kleffman, Austin American-Statesman, 6 Dec. 2024
The current format is still more selective than the league employed in its first 11 seasons.
—Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
There has been an effort to break Hunter – who has been five and a half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution.
—Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 3 Dec. 2024
Hunter’s lawyers had tried to get both criminal cases dismissed, arguing again that the charges were borne out of a selective and unfair prosecution, but neither judge was swayed.
—Matt Hamilton, Los Angeles Times, 2 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for selective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for selective
Adjective
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In particular, people who are pregnant and no longer able to safely lie on their belly should avoid it, as well as folks who’ve recently gotten abdominal surgery, Dr. Haas says.Christa Sgobba, SELF, 17 Dec. 2024
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The bones used are those of cattle—in particular, metacarpals and metatarsals, which are found in the lower limbs.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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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
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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
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These items don’t just fit my very picky aesthetic, though — most are totally functional, too.Neha Tandon, People.com, 9 Dec. 2024
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However, the family is quickly learning Ryobi is a bit picky.Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Scharffen Berger 70% Cacao Bittersweet Dark Chocolate: A nice snap and melt here, but tasters said there was an acrid quality that gave it an unpleasant finish.Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 16 Dec. 2024
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It's made of recycled plastic bottles, and its straps have a nice rubbery grip to keep it on your shoulders.Boutayna Chokrane, WIRED, 16 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near selective
Cite this Entry
“Selective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/selective. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
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