Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

selective

[si-lek-tiv] / sɪˈlɛk tɪv /


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The study also found that apes living in larger groups tended to be more selective about where they invested their social attention, a trend that has also been observed in human social networks.

From Science Daily • May 31, 2026

Investors should be selective when deciding to chase the rally.

From Barron's • May 28, 2026

Successfully proving selective prosecution is notoriously difficult—judges rarely grant it.

From Slate • May 28, 2026

Jeff Bailey, chief executive of Bank of Eastern Oregon, a rural farm lender, said his customers are being more selective about spending, with expenses expected to stay high.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 25, 2026

Even though every cell contains the same set of genes—an identical genome—the selective activation or repression of particular subsets of genes allows an individual cell to respond to its environments.

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee




Vocabulary lists containing selective


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "selective" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com