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

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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 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 To even be able to cherry-pick a record this specific, Newcastle would have had to go out of their way to compile an exhaustive list of deals by age and position. — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 13 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
  • The author specifically praised Reficco over her thorough research on epilepsy in an effort to offer an authentic portrayal.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Lawsuits have accused Lyft of failing to perform more thorough background checks on prospective drivers, maintaining in-car surveillance and enforcing zero-tolerance policies against drivers.
    — Amber Gaudet, Charlotte Observer, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of thorough
Adjective
  • The town is now essentially a real-world study for scientists, after comprehensive data was gathered over a year back in 2007.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Problems with standardized assessments The most comprehensive measure of adult literacy levels is the Survey of Adult Skills, which is part of a larger international assessment known as the PIAAC.
    — Jennifer D. Kobrin, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of comprehensive
Adjective
  • Police said the home was immediately secured as a crime scene and investigators began the extensive work of documenting the scene, collecting evidence, conducting interviews and pursuing leads.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Customers can upload their own photos, or choose artworks from an extensive online gallery before selecting all of the details, including size, material, matting, and glazing.
    — Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of extensive
Adjective
  • In the current setup, teams select players that other teams leave unprotected and then must carry that player on their big-league roster for a full year.
    — Evan Drellich, New York Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • That income limit is a cliff — earning a dollar over the limit generally means paying the full, unsubsidized premium.
    — Sarah Agostino, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of full
Adjective
  • Before her full staging was complete, friends connected her with women who had early-stage breast cancer.
    — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Based on SweetNight Lab test results, the complete system delivers sleep comfort that's up to 11° cooler.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 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 28 Aug. 2026.

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