selective
adjective
se·lec·tive
sə-ˈlek-tiv 
2
: highly specific in activity or effect
selective pesticides
selective absorption
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
With no predators, external threats or competitors, demodex mites have no selective pressures, Perotti explained.
—
Kameryn Griesser, CNN Money, 30 May 2025
In addition to the general tariffs, Trump launched selective reciprocal tariffs much higher than the 10% general charge.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 30 May 2025
Being selective with help: Declining assistance that comes with the expectation that the couple will give up their preferences.
—Darlin Tillery, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
The gradient options are good for selective focus treatments.
—PC Magazine, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for selective
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Kameryn Griesser, CNN Money, 30 May 2025
In addition to the general tariffs, Trump launched selective reciprocal tariffs much higher than the 10% general charge.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 30 May 2025
Being selective with help: Declining assistance that comes with the expectation that the couple will give up their preferences.
—Darlin Tillery, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
The gradient options are good for selective focus treatments.
—PC Magazine, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for selective
Cite this Entry
“Selective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/selective. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
selective
adjective
se·lec·tive
sə-ˈlek-tiv
: of or relating to selection : selecting or tending to select
selective shoppers
Medical Definition
selective
adjective
se·lec·tive
sə-ˈlek-tiv
2
: highly specific in activity or effect
selective pesticides
selective permeability of a plasma membrane
selectively
adverb
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