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 Breaking the limits of conventional catalysts Catalysts speed up chemical reactions without being consumed, but making one that is both fast and selective is difficult. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 2 Aug. 2026 Experts recommend using a selective broadleaf herbicide for the former. — Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 2 Aug. 2026 Both schools are among the most selective public institutions in the state, but the story was similar for the other state universities. — Chris Quintana, USA Today, 30 July 2026 The Kremlin at the time criticized the French authorities for their move against Durov as selective. — Dasha Litvinova, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for selective

Recent Examples of Synonyms for selective

Adjective

One relationship De Zerbi is paying particular attention to is Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, who joined Spurs for record fees this summer.

— Elias Burke, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
This story is first and foremost written out of love—love for this place and these people and this particular cultural moment, all of which are now long gone.

— Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of particular

Adjective

Queen conchs are picky about their habitats Queen conchs are large marine gastropods, and can be found throughout the Caribbean Sea, around Bermuda and in the Florida Keys.

— Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 31 July 2026
Plus, there’s something about being part of the process of buying (or growing) the ingredients and preparing a recipe that piques the curiosity of even the pickiest eater and tempts them to take a bite.

— Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 25 July 2026

Definition of picky

Adjective

Her parents were able to buy a nice home in the Seattle area for $300,000 and still afford different extracurricular activities for her and her siblings.

— Natasha Chen, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
The puffiness that may come with a little late-night partying when the weather is nice is no match for this serum's ability to de-puff eye bags.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 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 8 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of selective

adjective

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