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

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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 Our Awards Editor Marcus Jones joins co-hosts Anne Thompson and Ryan Lattanzio for an exhaustive (but hardly exhausting) rundown of the drama, comedy, and limited series categories. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 10 July 2026 Six adults and a child were rescued from the water, but three children recovered from the lake after an intensive search were unresponsive to exhaustive lifesaving measures administered as soon as they were found, police said. — Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026 Raymond said on Friday that an exhaustive review of video surveillance footage from the days leading up to the explosion allegedly captured Berezovk making several reconnaissance visits to the building. — Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 3 July 2026 Attrition is costly and exhaustive and is the silent killer of some businesses. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for exhaustive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exhaustive
  1. thorough
  2. comprehensive
  3. extensive
  4. full
  5. complete
Adjective
  • Jones said that police conducted a thorough investigation in 2012, but couldn’t positively identify a suspect.
    — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 July 2026
  • Authorities did not do an autopsy, although police said a thorough inspection of the body was performed.
    — Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2026
Definition of thorough
Adjective
  • The memorandum likewise directs the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Forces to coordinate a comprehensive national strategy to investigate, prosecute and disrupt entities and individuals.
    — Jason M. Blazakis, The Conversation, 22 July 2026
  • This is a true, comprehensive measure of popular sentiment, genuinely and organically posted, about each company’s approach to innovation.
    — Heather Newman, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of comprehensive
Adjective
  • Leading firms are actively recruiting professionals with extensive client-side experience to enhance service delivery.
    — Will Johnson, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • Burke’s lawyers sought to expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, questioning why investigators had not conducted more extensive testing, including DNA analysis, on certain items found in Burke’s home or on the exterior of his Tesla.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 July 2026
Definition of extensive
Adjective
  • My full start-time and ring-walk breakdown has the finer timing.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026
  • All are one- or two-bedroom units—including three penthouses—that have soundproofed interiors, airy sitting spaces, and full kitchens.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 July 2026
Definition of full
Adjective
  • Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s third career complete game was the highlight of the win in Game 1 of a doubleheader on Sunday.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026
  • The robots perform a complete workflow, including collecting materials, placing components with precision, interacting with inspection equipment and returning finished products.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 20 July 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 24 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on exhaustive

Nglish: Translation of exhaustive for Spanish Speakers

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