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 Fatal crashes, pedestrian incidents, and hit-and-runs require exhaustive forensic documentation before any wreckage can be moved. — Jason Phillips, Ascend Agency, 23 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for exhaustive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exhaustive
  1. thorough
  2. comprehensive
  3. extensive
  4. full
  5. complete
Adjective
  • The most thorough study of day trading, following every trader in Taiwan for fifteen years, found that the large majority lose money and fewer than one in a hundred make a reliable profit after costs.
    — Daniel Schlaepfer, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Following last year’s automatic reactor shutdowns, EDF conducted a thorough safety review alongside the World Association of Nuclear Operators.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of thorough
Adjective
  • Police Chief Alex Gammelgard said the decision follows a comprehensive review of the technology and its future, as well as conversations with community members and changes in how ALPR systems are being used by government agencies.
    — Lyanne Wang, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • But Abbott’s data center pause offers false expectations of a comprehensive audit.
    — John Kostyack, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of comprehensive
Adjective
  • Bannister's extensive career began with Coscarelli and Angus Scrimm in 1975, leading to their legendary Phantasm collaboration.
    — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Dozens of people have died in Riselralda, a department in the heart of the Coffee Axis, and cities throughout the region have reported extensive damage.
    — Sana Noor Haq, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of extensive
Adjective
  • Similarly, loading up the XI for the opener away to Fulham with players who have enjoyed the benefits of a full pre-season makes sense, too.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Regal Cinemas, for example, has 4DX auditoriums with multisensory enhancements that bring the film world into the real world with full-body immersion synced up with the on-screen action.
    — Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of full
Adjective
  • Howard County initially approved permits for the project but revoked them in February 2026, when construction was nearly complete.
    — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Of course, no proper French meal would be complete without wine.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 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 14 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on exhaustive

Nglish: Translation of exhaustive for Spanish Speakers

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