as in obsessive
extremely or overly neat, careful, or precise
I've always been anal about arranging my books alphabetically by author.
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Recent Examples of anal
That means STIs can also cause throat, genital and anal infections.
—
Jill Grimes, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2025
For partnered anal penetration, communication is the key to a safer and more pleasurable experience.
—Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 11 Aug. 2025
There are other ways to explore: fingers, smaller toys, anal plugs, etc.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 3 July 2025
Weeks later, anal warts appeared around the rim of Laurent’s rectum, the complaint says, and he was diagnosed with condyloma.
—Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for anal
Jill Grimes, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2025
For partnered anal penetration, communication is the key to a safer and more pleasurable experience.
—Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 11 Aug. 2025
There are other ways to explore: fingers, smaller toys, anal plugs, etc.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 3 July 2025
Weeks later, anal warts appeared around the rim of Laurent’s rectum, the complaint says, and he was diagnosed with condyloma.
—Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for anal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anal
Adjective
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Psychologists distinguish between obsessive and harmonious passion.—
Nell Derick Debevoise,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
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With his jaw clenched and sights set on being the next James Bond, Aaron Taylor-Johnson plays Major Will Tranter, a bomb disposal pro who’s both an ace sniper and a bit of a loose cannon, breaking protocol in his obsessive attempt to deactivate the vintage ordnance with minimal casualties.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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As such, Mahomes evidently not only is immune to complacency but actually has become more adamant with success.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
4 Sep. 2025
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After taking a year off to improve his health, Renfrow was adamant about playing for the Panthers.—
DIAMOND VENCES,
Charlotte Observer,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Neville said he's noticed many boutique and family-run hotels, especially in high-demand spots like Dubrovnik, Prague, and Santorini, booking out earlier than ever, requiring full deposits up front, and enforcing strict cancellation policies.—
Christopher Elliott,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
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Jackets, ties, nylons and shoulder pads made a comeback, all in strict adherence to a dress code that hadn't been revised in decades.—
Darlin Tillery,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Anal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anal. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
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