stickler
noun
stick·ler
ˈsti-k(ə-)lər 
1
: one who insists on exactness or completeness in the observance of something
a stickler for the rules
2
: something that baffles or puzzles : poser
Examples of stickler in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Sean Payton is a noted stickler for details, even beyond the normal standards of an obsessive group like professional football coaches.
—
Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 12 Aug. 2025
That's not to say that there aren't sticklers for the old way of doing things: leaving your phone at home or in the car, tucking it in your purse or pocket, turning it off, and at the very least, putting it on silent or vibrate mode.
—Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 3 July 2025
Of course, there are some unrealistic elements in F1, moments that might have sticklers raising an eyebrow, but the film doesn’t feel any less dramatic than the real thing.
—Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2025
Wilson had always been a stickler in the studio, the perfectionist who kept repeating takes, bean-counters be damned, until the song felt right.
—Elias Leight, Billboard, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for stickler
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Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 12 Aug. 2025
That's not to say that there aren't sticklers for the old way of doing things: leaving your phone at home or in the car, tucking it in your purse or pocket, turning it off, and at the very least, putting it on silent or vibrate mode.
—Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 3 July 2025
Of course, there are some unrealistic elements in F1, moments that might have sticklers raising an eyebrow, but the film doesn’t feel any less dramatic than the real thing.
—Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2025
Wilson had always been a stickler in the studio, the perfectionist who kept repeating takes, bean-counters be damned, until the song felt right.
—Elias Leight, Billboard, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for stickler
Cite this Entry
“Stickler.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stickler. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
stickler
noun
stick·ler
ˈstik-(ə-)lər
1
: a person who insists on exactness or completeness in the observance of something
a stickler for the rules
2
: something that baffles or puzzles
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