Synonyms for
Selective
Definition
choosing carefully from a larger group; showing a preference for certain things
Synonyms & similar words
Synonyms by register
Formal
Informal
Literary
Antonyms
Common collocations
- selective breeding
- selective memory
- selective service
- selective hearing
- selective attention
- selective enforcement
- selective advantage
Word family
Usage note
Often used to describe a process or person that carefully chooses what to include or exclude. Be mindful of its positive connotation of discernment versus a potentially negative one of being overly picky.
Example sentences
- The selective process in hiring ensures that only the most qualified candidates get the job.
- She was very selective about the clothes she wore to school.
- The restaurant has a selective menu that only features the chef's best dishes.
- He was not selective in his choice of friends.
- The team was very selective in their draft picks for the upcoming season.
Quotes
The selective process in which the brain eliminates details it deems unimportant is called 'neural adaptation.' - David Eagleman
I'm very selective with my roles; I make sure I'm challenged.
I'm very selective about what I put on my body.