nitpick

verb

nit·​pick ˈnit-ˌpik How to pronounce nitpick (audio)
nitpicked; nitpicking; nitpicks
Synonyms of nitpicknext

intransitive verb

: to engage in nit-picking

transitive verb

: to criticize by nit-picking
… warns her lawyers not to nitpick on relatively simple matters.Deborah L. Jacobs
nitpick noun
nitpicker noun
nitpicky adjective

Examples of nitpick in a Sentence

her husband nitpicks about everything: from how she puts the plates away to how she files the bills
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.
While her intentions may stem from concern, her nitpicking mirrors this Earth sign’s shadow side. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026 So your first indication of problems can be a client who nitpicks every job, forcing you to return to re-trim the 2-inch patch of sod that the client claims wasn’t properly manicured. Kathy Kristof, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026 Try not to nitpick yourself or others… peace beats perfection. Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 4 Jan. 2026 Meanwhile, nitpicking from Stewart is always welcome. Kansas City Star, 6 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for nitpick

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from nit-picking

First Known Use

1956, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of nitpick was in 1956

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nitpick.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nitpick. Accessed 27 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

nitpick

verb
nit·​pick ˈnit-ˌpik How to pronounce nitpick (audio)
: to criticize for tiny faults that are usually of little importance
nitpicker noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!