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.

Ultimately, the prescription from all three managers is similar: Be selective, focus on countries with improving fundamentals and stay mindful of currency risk as well as the risk of a long war in Iran.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

A vast majority of US states and territories also automatically register men for selective service when driver's licenses are issued.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

The inspector general’s office based its findings on a review of a selective or “purposive” sampling of 40 nursing-home inspections and admits the findings can’t easily be extrapolated to all facilities.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

While the sector still faces headwinds, selective stocks are trading at levels suggesting a measured rebound could be underway—making careful stock-picking more important than ever.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

The selective breeding of the strongest, smartest, “fittest” humans—unnatural selection—Galton imagined, could achieve over just a few decades what nature had been attempting for eons.

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee