selective

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.

Other naval options, such as a selective blockage of Iranian imports, would ratchet up pressure on Iran to reopen the strait but probably wouldn’t yield quick results.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

At the 23 selective private colleges Burd studied, these students were asked to pay an average of $24,000 a year.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 2026

That same year, then-President Ronald Reagan, who had initially campaigned against the reinstated selective service, decided he would keep it.

From Slate • Mar. 25, 2026

“Consumers have become increasingly selective and price-sensitive, actively pivoting away from traditional mid-market chains in favor of discount retailers and value-oriented brands,” Placer.ai said in a report this month.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

The object of selective spraying is not to produce grass on roadsides and rights-of-way but to eliminate the tall woody plants by direct treatment and to preserve all other vegetation.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson