selective

adjective

se·​lec·​tive sə-ˈlek-tiv How to pronounce selective (audio)
Synonyms of selectivenext
1
: of, relating to, or characterized by selection : selecting or tending to select
2
: highly specific in activity or effect
selective pesticides
selective absorption
selectively adverb
selectiveness noun
selectivity
sə-ˌlek-ˈti-və-tē How to pronounce selective (audio)
ˌsē-
noun

Synonyms of selective

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Examples of selective in a Sentence

The club is selective in choosing members. The college has a highly selective admissions process.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
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 Gunther said the brand’s September improvement is particularly notable against a backdrop where consumers remain selective with discretionary spending. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026 His party invited high school activists on stage at a rally Sunday, then proposed lowering the voting age to 16 and scrapping selective admissions at universities. — ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026 Managers briefly opened chum fishing around Rampart this summer, but only with selective gear such as dip nets and beach seines. — Annika Hammerschlag, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for selective

Word History

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of selective was in 1625

Phrases Containing selective

Rhymes for selective

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Browse Nearby Words

selection value
selective
selective absorption
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Selective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/selective. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

selective

adjective
se·​lec·​tive sə-ˈlek-tiv How to pronounce selective (audio)
: of or relating to selection : selecting or tending to select
selective shoppers

Medical Definition

selective

adjective
se·​lec·​tive sə-ˈlek-tiv How to pronounce selective (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or characterized by selection : selecting or tending to select
2
: highly specific in activity or effect
selective pesticides
selective permeability of a plasma membrane
selectively adverb
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