exhaustive

adjective

ig-ˈzȯ-stiv How to pronounce exhaustive (audio)
Definition of exhaustivenext
1
as in thorough
trying all possibilities after an exhaustive search of our house, we still hadn't found the cat

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in comprehensive
covering everything or all important points an exhaustive survey of the nation's sexual habits

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of exhaustive In This Article Deep cleaning your oven can be an exhaustive, daunting task that, let’s face it, no one really wants to do. — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 16 Aug. 2026 Even at the peak of the season (between exhaustive heat waves), some days are cooler and rainier than others, or even chilly with the sea breeze. — Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 16 Aug. 2026 The film’s characters participate in an exhaustive dance competition, competing for a hefty cash prize. — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 15 Aug. 2026 The non-exhaustive sum of events within this time frame included winning Best New Artist at the Grammy Awards and scoring two Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exhaustive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exhaustive
  1. thorough
  2. comprehensive
  3. extensive
  4. full
  5. complete
Adjective
  • Medical experts say a thorough screening is critical to preventing deaths.
    — Ryan J. Foley, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Most importantly, don’t be afraid to advocate for a thorough skin exam.
    — Ayren Jackson-Cannady, Allure, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of thorough
Adjective
  • In its comprehensive plan, the city of Eagle identifies the BLM land Bobo is cleaning up as a major component of the Foothills, calling for public lands to be incorporated into a larger open-space and wildlife-corridor network.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 2 Sep. 2026
  • MacGregor has signed contracts with China Merchants Jinling Shipyard to supply comprehensive roll-on/roll-off equipment for the two vessels, marking one of its most extensive scopes for roll-on/roll-off passenger ferries to date.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of comprehensive
Adjective
  • Chinese state media, including the Communist Party's flagship newspaper, People's Daily, gave extensive coverage to Xi's encounters with other visiting leaders on Tuesday, but made no mention of the meeting with Pezeshkian.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Neal's research includes extensive work on female astronauts.
    — Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of extensive
Adjective
  • The Irish Examiner spoke with a young crafter who described cooking alongside knitting and crochet as some of her most mindful time, because the activities require her full attention.
    — Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Parking at Ventura Harbor is free Monday through Thursday, and $10 for a full-day pass Friday through Sunday and on major holidays.
    — Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of full
Adjective
  • To defeat Iran would be a complete victory, not only for Israel but for the entire Middle East.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Those tests should reveal how well the modular architecture performs once individual components operate as part of a complete launcher.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of complete

Browse Nearby Words

exhaustion
exhaustive
exhaustively
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Cite this Entry

“Exhaustive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exhaustive. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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