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
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Recent Examples of exhaustive
Back in 2023, USA TODAY published an exhaustive database of the nation’s deadliest occupations, based on fatality data for 2021.
—
Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 28 Oct. 2025
In aerospace engineering, exhaustive documentation isn’t bureaucracy, but a force for accountability.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
Renting a car to explore the island isn’t necessary, given the exhaustive list of excursions offered directly at the resort.
—Kate Van Dyke, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
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, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exhaustive
Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 28 Oct. 2025
In aerospace engineering, exhaustive documentation isn’t bureaucracy, but a force for accountability.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
Renting a car to explore the island isn’t necessary, given the exhaustive list of excursions offered directly at the resort.
—Kate Van Dyke, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
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, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exhaustive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exhaustive
Adjective
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Minnesota state investigators would need to be able to conduct a thorough investigation to move forward with potential state charges against the unnamed ICE agent who fatally shot Good, according to Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
9 Jan. 2026
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Bath toys deserve a thorough cleaning at least monthly to remove body soil and soap scum that can invite mold and mildew to form.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Nominees will be put through a comprehensive and rigorous process of researching and scoring across a wide range of quantitative and qualitative criteria, including scalability, revenue and user growth, and the use of breakthrough technology.—
CNBC.com staff,
CNBC,
6 Jan. 2026
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In an important essay, Andrew Sullivan noted this past fall that Trump’s indecency is comprehensive in style and substance.—
Jeffrey Goldberg,
The Atlantic,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The extensive archaeological study covered an area of over three-quarters of a mile.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Nov. 2025
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His work has been so extensive, France’s minister of culture awarded him the prestigious Chevalier de l’ordre des Arts et des Lettres this year.—
Paige Reddinger,
Robb Report,
8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The governor is expected to touch on some budget priorities in his speech, which will come Thursday, one day before state financial officials publish his full spending plan on Friday.—
Lia Russell,
Sacbee.com,
8 Jan. 2026
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From long-haul flights to full days on your feet, ballerina sneakers deliver.—
Nicol Natale,
PEOPLE,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Foden has improved the defensive side of his game to the point that Guardiola trusts him to play a more complete role in the centre of the pitch, but going with such a fluid line-up does risk exposing City on the counter.—
Andy Jones,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
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And no list of holiday musts is complete without Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, one of the earliest creations of the beloved production company.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Exhaustive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exhaustive. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
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