exhaustive

adjective

ex·​haus·​tive ig-ˈzȯ-stiv How to pronounce exhaustive (audio)
: including all possibilities : thorough
conducted an exhaustive search
exhaustively adverb
exhaustiveness noun
exhaustivity noun

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
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.
The two-part series delves into LaRue's exhaustive efforts to protect Kaya and the FBI's hunt for the stalker whose threats left a mother and daughter with lasting psychological trauma. Liam Quinn, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025 Following the Chiefs’ 31-0 humiliation of the visiting Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, Andy Reid dispensed with his normally exhaustive postgame rundown of individual accolades. Kansas City Star, 19 Oct. 2025 While not an exhaustive list and not a substitute for professional legal advice, here are a few rules Ohio protesters must follow, according to the ACLU of Ohio and the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland. Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 17 Oct. 2025 While the sources may have been past colleagues, and the archival papers her own work, Orlean set out to be exhaustive and exacting in charting her personal history. Nathan Smith, Air Mail, 11 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exhaustive

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1789, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of exhaustive was circa 1789

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Cite this Entry

“Exhaustive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exhaustive. Accessed 25 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

exhaustive

adjective
ex·​haus·​tive ig-ˈzȯ-stiv How to pronounce exhaustive (audio)
: trying all possibilities : thorough
an exhaustive search
exhaustively adverb
exhaustiveness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on exhaustive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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