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 Notably, most things known to have antidepressant effects increase brain plasticity—such as exercise, electroconvulsive therapy, selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors prescribed as antidepressants, and psychedelic drugs. — Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026 The luxury market is still facing a sluggish recovery, particularly in China, as consumers only become more selective about spending. — Yiling Pan, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026 The Supreme Court agreed Monday to consider outlawing school diversity policies that limit Asian American students at magnet programs and selective high schools. — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026 These days, Tucci’s being more selective and conscious about work that will take him away from his kids. — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for selective

Recent Examples of Synonyms for selective

Adjective

Unlike Adler Dolomiti, Adler Balance is adults-only and has a particular focus on wellness.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
All of that aligns the series with a particular strain of reality show in which participants are expected to follow certain patterns of behavior that can be neatly edited into episodic arcs.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 22 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

Rob Haugen of Michels Family Office said uncertainty over where interest rates are headed has made the firm pickier about investing in the asset class.

— Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
The limited prep area has forced me to be incredibly picky about which tools and appliances to display and which to relegate to cabinets.

— Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of picky

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 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of selective

adjective

Example Sentences

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