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 The case for the Okefenokee’s inclusion on the World Heritage List is laid out in an exhaustive, 266-page dossier. — Drew Kann, AJC.com, 20 July 2026 For the past decade, Tuck has worked on the Pompeii Survivors Project, an exhaustive search for those who managed to flee before Pompeii and nearby Herculaneum were destroyed. — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 20 July 2026 Backers of the proposal maintain an exhaustive CEQA review isn’t necessary at this time, partly because the building’s exterior wouldn’t be altered. — George Avalos, Mercury News, 20 July 2026 Some have been coming here since the 2010 World Cup, and their steady presence and exhaustive supplies of duplicates have established this as the place to go. — Maria Jose Gutierrez-Chavez, Curbed, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for exhaustive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exhaustive
  1. thorough
  2. comprehensive
  3. extensive
  4. full
  5. complete
Adjective
  • Far from being vindicated, however, she was crushed as a brazen, thorough cover-up emerged.
    — Fern Schumer Chapman, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026
  • At the sink or on the kitchen counter (and ideally in good light), give petals, stems, and leaves a thorough inspection.
    — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of thorough
Adjective
  • Lake Station will modernize its comprehensive plan, zoning code, and economic development strategy to unlock development and investment potential.
    — Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The ultimate goal was to establish a permissible exposure limit for humans on the Red Planet by compiling a comprehensive set of expert perspectives regarding Martian dust toxicology, exposure pathways and mitigation strategies.
    — Leonard David, Space.com, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of comprehensive
Adjective
  • There’s also an swanky Indian restaurant, Indian Accent, for authentic upscale dishes and an extensive global wine list.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Over the past few years, Boots has been delving into its extensive data to test and try products and began introducing stand-alone beauty retail concepts, the latest of which opened in Bristol earlier this month.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of extensive
Adjective
  • In the June 2 primary to fill the full term starting next year, the state senator received about 38% of the vote compared to Hernandez’s 17%.
    — Kyle Martin, Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • For now, though, Denver appears focused on preserving Bo Nix’s favorite target for a full-strength playoff run.
    — Luca Evans, Denver Post, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of full
Adjective
  • The cargo vessel struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz north of Oman suffered a complete blackout, according to a report from the Marisks maritime risk management group.
    — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Once their spring blooms are complete, Aggrey meticulously collects the seed pods from the clarkias, gilias and phacelias, processes the seeds and packages them for gifting before the subsequent spring.
    — Pedro Moura, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of complete

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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 7 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on exhaustive

Nglish: Translation of exhaustive for Spanish Speakers

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