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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of exhaustive
Only after World War II—and over the objections of much of the brass—was the military integrated, and then only after an exhaustive internal investigation disproved racist assumptions that Black troops could only fill menial roles or serve in segregated units.
—
Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2026
An exhaustive search followed, but her body was not immediately recovered.
—April 8, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
Known for his exhaustive preparation, the righty-swinging Martinez earned a reputation as a hitting guru during his playing days from 2011-24.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2026
The following are some common coffee table styles, but this is by no means an exhaustive list.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for exhaustive
Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2026
An exhaustive search followed, but her body was not immediately recovered.
—April 8, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
Known for his exhaustive preparation, the righty-swinging Martinez earned a reputation as a hitting guru during his playing days from 2011-24.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2026
The following are some common coffee table styles, but this is by no means an exhaustive list.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for exhaustive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exhaustive
Adjective
-
Yet, that flexibility is completely meaningless unless anchored by a structured and thorough psychological approach.—
Lucy Jones
April 11,
Miami Herald,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Be thorough, because any little tubers that break off will grow many more plants.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
While there are no comprehensive studies comparing the environmental impacts of cultivated versus conventional seafood, alternatives like Wildtype could avoid ocean pollution and overfishing, which have caused losses in biodiversity and destroyed the ocean’s resiliency.—
Jaia Clingham-David,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
15 Apr. 2026
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Manson’s story culminates with the war in Ukraine, in which Maven has helped mitigate Russia’s advantages; the conflict became an inflection point for comprehensive national adoption.—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus,
New Yorker,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Besides the obvious, the positive benefits from space programs are extensive, including medical and technological breakthroughs that affect our daily lives in countless positive ways.—
Phillip Molnar,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Apr. 2026
-
The New York Times published extensive analyses of the damage to communications infrastructure and bases throughout the region.—
Geoff Brumfiel,
NPR,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Amalia cried after the family was loaded into a van full of other parents and young children.—
Sarah Stillman,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Lush, vibrant and full of life, California Tropicals instantly brightens any space while adding fresh, feel-good energy.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
His likeness, complete with robes and a halo, and sometimes holding an AR-15 or a box of bullets, could be found on T-shirts, prayer candles, gun magazines and other items.—
Alex Riggins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 Apr. 2026
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But Lincoln controls the whole tempo, the complete vibe of the affair with her epic vocals, effortless charm, and wonderful instincts.—
Jed Gottlieb,
Boston Herald,
12 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Exhaustive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exhaustive. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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