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 of thoroughly

• 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

Babyproof your home thoroughly (including anchoring furniture to the wall), and never leave a child under 5 in the tub alone. —Barrie Gillies, Parents, 9 Mar. 2026

Then, take the time to smooth it and thoroughly clean it. —Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Mar. 2026

Linens and Upholstered Items If it can't be thoroughly washed or deep cleaned, textiles don’t come home with me. —Ashley Poskin, Martha Stewart, 7 Mar. 2026

Top with worm castings and compost, then water thoroughly to help nutrients reach the roots. —Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above