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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 Under this new pathway, only the nuclear module follows the exhaustive atomic licensing schedule, while the turbine complex proceeds under standard commercial timelines. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026 The film is an exhaustive recounting of Musk’s metastasizing role in our society. — Sheelah Kolhatkar, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2026 Deadline’s list of bidders is by no means exhaustive and other interested parties may yet emerge. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026 The range of activities at both properties is exhaustive, but the main attractions are the half-mile sandy beach and 18-hole golf course. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exhaustive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exhaustive
  1. thorough
  2. comprehensive
  3. extensive
  4. full
  5. complete
Adjective
  • As much as the latter two helped to inaugurate the era of online automotive auction houses by setting new standards for thorough listings and seller engagements, the excitement of real-time bidding in person undoubtedly bolsters values even further.
    — Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Perhaps most importantly, start the process of shopping for providers and policies now as thorough research and analysis will boost your chances of finding the most suitable policy for you and your beneficiaries.
    — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of thorough
Adjective
  • Beyond its adoption areas and dedicated kitten facility, the state-of-the-art building is fully equipped to handle comprehensive feline care, featuring a feline behavior department, examination rooms, and grooming facilities.
    — Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Florida’s Digital Bill of Rights recognizes sensitive biometric information, but its comprehensive access, deletion and opt-out rights target a narrow class of very large advertising and technology businesses.
    — Burak Oktenli, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of comprehensive
Adjective
  • An extensive breakfast buffet is served in SINEDIE alongside a la carte options such as eggs royale.
    — Jaymi McCann, TheWeek, 3 Nov. 2026
  • On Djerba Island, meanwhile, beaches and extensive resort infrastructure make combining an eclipse chase with a conventional Mediterranean vacation particularly easy — with a view of Mos Eisley thrown in for good measure.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of extensive
Adjective
  • As of Friday morning, with a full day left to vote early in the state of Georgia, the records were already falling.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 31 Oct. 2026
  • James uses this potential fault as a guiding principle of his writing for the Disklavier, full of crisply interlocking ostinatos.
    — Andy Cush, Pitchfork, 31 Oct. 2026
Definition of full
Adjective
  • Lead author Samantha Gilbert-Janizek expanded the model to include those missing systems, creating a more complete picture of how chemicals move throughout a rocky planet.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026
  • As the Moon joins Mars in Leo, creative courage may arrive before complete confidence.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of complete

Browse Nearby Words

exhaustion
exhaustive
exhaustively
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exhaustive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exhaustive. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.

Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of abandon

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Old-Timey Vehicles

The Words of the Week - Nov. 6

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
woman sitting on floor holding book in front of her face on pink background
Famous Novels, Last Lines Quiz Needless to say, spoiler alert.
See All