discriminative

adjective

dis·​crim·​i·​na·​tive di-ˈskri-mə-ˌnā-tiv How to pronounce discriminative (audio)
-ˈskri-mə-nə-
Synonyms of discriminativenext
1
: making distinctions
2
: discriminatory sense 2

Synonyms

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Examples of discriminative in a Sentence

fighting laws which were grossly discriminative
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noting the use of generative and discriminative AI pairs, Rus also compares a generative process - writing a book - to the traditional human way that this is done. — John Werner, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2024 There's clearly larger work to be done in the diversity & inclusion space to help reduce discriminative hiring practices. — Lindsay Kohler, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1677, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of discriminative was in 1677

Rhymes for discriminative

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discrimination time
discriminative
discriminator
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Cite this Entry

“Discriminative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discriminative. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

discriminative

adjective
dis·​crim·​i·​na·​tive dis-ˈkrim-ə-ˌnāt-iv How to pronounce discriminative (audio)
-ˈkrim-(ə-)nə-tiv
1
: seeing the differences between things
2
: discriminatory
discriminatively adverb
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