exhaustive

adjective

ex·​haus·​tive ig-ˈzȯ-stiv 

: including all possibilities : thorough

conducted an exhaustive search

exhaustively adverb

exhaustiveness noun

exhaustivity

ig-ˌzȯ-ˈsti-və-tē 

noun

Synonyms of exhaustive

• thorough
• extensive
• comprehensive
• complete

Examples of exhaustive in a Sentence

The list was long but not exhaustive.

after an exhaustive search of our house, we still hadn't found the cat

Recent Examples on the Web

The initiative’s foundation addresses the problem of inconsistent and burdensome reporting by engaging the industry to define an optional (and non-exhaustive) questionnaire aimed at strengthening data quality and consistency while significantly reducing the administrative burden on suppliers. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 10 Nov. 2025

This list is not exhaustive, and airport officials urge travelers to check directly with airlines to see whether their flights are on time or canceled. —Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 6 Nov. 2025

In her exhaustive chronicle, Jennings traces the long folkloric history of monk-tormenting demons. —JSTOR Daily, 31 Oct. 2025

These homes give families a respite from the exhaustive nature of caregiving a child with severe medical needs. —Wendy Grossman Kantor, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1789, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

exhaustive

adjective

ex·​haus·​tive ig-ˈzȯ-stiv 

: trying all possibilities : thorough

an exhaustive search

exhaustively adverb

exhaustiveness noun