SELECTIVE Synonyms: 17 Similar and Opposite Words

selective

adjective

sə-ˈlek-tiv

Definition of selective

as in particular

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 Powell’s broader outlook is that persistent inflation, fragmentation, and higher capital costs will make investors more selective. — Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 6 Oct. 2026 Since then, not much has changed — except for sluggish traffic across the industry as consumers have become more selective about their dining choices. — Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 4 Oct. 2026 Florida International University is a massive public institution with a reputation for helping low- and middle-income students get ahead and the University of Miami is a selective private institution with a major medical research component. — Austin Horn, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2026 The finding adds to a series of federal actions against University of California admissions that have focused on highly selective law and medical schools. — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for selective

Recent Examples of Synonyms for selective

Adjective

True crime stories also happen to be a particular forte for the creative team, stressed François Aramburu, co-producer at Fontaram Productions.

— Ed Meza, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
Someone with a visa valid for several more years, for example, might still be admitted for only a few months on a particular trip.

— Bailey Berg, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of particular

Adjective

Lawrence’s casting is a coup – for any studio, really – as the actress is known for being quite choosy.

— Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2026
Schumann has seen how Dan Lanning was choosy and didn’t leave a good situation until a job the caliber of Oregon came into the picture.

— Bruce Feldman, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of choosy

Adjective

In today’s uneven market, dealers and advisers are being especially picky about which fairs to attend.

— Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 7 Oct. 2026
But even Cruise has learned the hard way that moviegoers have become pickier about what’s worth getting off the couch for.

— Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of picky

Adjective

Also, a foul ball hit by almost any player would be a nice souvenir.

— Scott Simon, NPR, 10 Oct. 2026
Sure enough, there were a few hares in the field and the grass was just long enough to give a bit of protection to the hares and set a nice backdrop for the photographs.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of nice

Browse Nearby Words

selections

selective

selectively

See all Nearby Words

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Style

“Selective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/selective. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of selective

adjective

Example Sentences

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