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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of anal
The length of the anal canal typically ranges from 2.5 to 4 centimeters.
—
Suchandrima Bhowmik, Health, 20 Feb. 2025
Snakeheads are often confused with a native species—the bowfin—but anglers can tell them apart by looking at the anal fin, which is much longer on a snakehead.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025
These are most associated with cervical, vaginal, penile, anal and head and neck cancers.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025
Instead, look for vibes made from nonporous materials like ABS plastic and medical-grade silicone—these won’t irritate or damage genital and anal tissues, Dr. Suwinyattichaiporn says.
—Kate Sloan, SELF, 17 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for anal
Suchandrima Bhowmik, Health, 20 Feb. 2025
Snakeheads are often confused with a native species—the bowfin—but anglers can tell them apart by looking at the anal fin, which is much longer on a snakehead.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025
These are most associated with cervical, vaginal, penile, anal and head and neck cancers.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025
Instead, look for vibes made from nonporous materials like ABS plastic and medical-grade silicone—these won’t irritate or damage genital and anal tissues, Dr. Suwinyattichaiporn says.
—Kate Sloan, SELF, 17 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for anal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anal
Adjective
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But my other obsessive pursuits did not possess that game-like quality, did not satisfy the thrill of the chase, of competition against myself.—
Hazlitt,
Hazlitt,
11 June 2025
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Straight heads-down obsessive preoccupation with landing at AGI.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2025
Adjective
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But Rawan is adamant that solving this will need more than just high-tech products.—
Alexander Puutio,
Forbes.com,
9 June 2025
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Furious, Julian is adamant that Gabby wasn’t on the boat with Finn and Toby.—
Barry Levitt,
Time,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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There is a strict bag policy in place at the stadium, and all restrictions will be enforced.—
Caché McClay,
USA Today,
5 June 2025
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No new stores that sell certain pets will be allowed to open in Manatee County and existing pet sellers and breeders will face stricter regulations under new rules passed unanimously Tuesday by county leaders.—
Ryan Ballogg,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Anal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anal. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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