thoroughly

adverb

thor·​ough·​ly ˈthər-(ˌ)ō-lē 

 sometimes  ˈthȯr-;

ˈthə-(ˌ)rō-

: in a complete or thorough manner

Police thoroughly searched the crime scene for clues.

Bats are extremely tidy: they comb themselves thoroughly, and don't gather a mess of nesting materials for their homes, as birds do.

—Diane Ackerman

: to a complete or thorough extent

We were thoroughly satisfied with the service we received.

thoroughly disgusted/delighted

By taking all the tricks in the game, one defeats the opponent so thoroughly that he may be disconcerted …

—Craig M. Carver

Synonyms

• systematically
• fully

Examples of thoroughly in a Sentence

they researched the issue thoroughly before deciding how to vote

I am thoroughly satisfied with her explanation of the events of that evening

Recent Examples on the Web

Rinse thoroughly before moving through your routine. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 12 Sep. 2025

The Dodgers won last year with a rotation that was thoroughly depleted. —Chad Jennings, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025

The bureau has received more than 130 tips since the shooting occurred, Bohls said, adding that the agency will thoroughly investigate every lead. —Christopher Cann, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025

Stir in the oats and chia seeds until thoroughly combined. —The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above