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 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 Because space and defense qualification cycles require multiple years of exhaustive safety and performance certifications, switching to a cheaper competitor is highly frictional for a prime contractor. — Harvey Stober, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026 The New York Times‘ exhaustive list of the best TV shows of the 21st century traces its origin to a similar list of the best books a couple years ago. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2026 Boutros has since announced an exhaustive review of previous grand jury matters and reforms in how the usually secret grand jury transcripts are shared with the court. — Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 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 a critical first step, the intelligence committees should initiate a thorough oversight investigation into how the norm has been implemented in practice and the current administration’s adherence to its prohibitions.
    — DAVID S. COHEN, Foreign Affairs, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The decision followed a thorough review of the current beverage industry trends, market conditions, and overall company business strategy.
    — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of thorough
Adjective
  • As reported, Moncler reprised its Re/Icons project that celebrates archival pieces, first introduced in 2023, adding a comprehensive ready-to-wear collection — a first for the initiative.
    — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
  • But the regulator said none has fully acknowledged past debanking decisions or created a comprehensive program to remediate affected customers.
    — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of comprehensive
Adjective
  • California sought to adopt a price cap law this year as well, though the bill, which faced extensive lobbying from ticket resale platform StubHub, had failed.
    — Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Explain when your engagement is too extensive, when another type of provider may be a better fit and what responsibilities remain with the client.
    — Dennis Kirwan, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of extensive
Adjective
  • This is a play full of people trying very hard to be there for each other and discovering what makes that difficult.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Will movie nights and electric go-kart tracks suffice to keep CWG’s buildings full if, as some predict, AI renders large numbers of office jobs redundant?
    — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of full
Adjective
  • For more than 50 years, the house remained vacant, was ravaged by fire, and fell into complete disrepair.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Then again, the album’s 15-minute runtime presupposes a complete lasting impression isn’t the point.
    — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 13 Oct. 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 17 Oct. 2026.

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