Synonyms of exhaustive

exhaustive

adjective

ig-ˈzȯ-stiv 

1

as in thorough

trying all possibilities

after an exhaustive search of our house, we still hadn't found the cat

Synonyms & Similar Words

• thorough
• extensive
• comprehensive
• complete
• sweeping
• thoroughgoing
• total
• full-scale
• systematic
• clean
• all-out
• out-and-out
• wide
• methodical
• general
• broad
• in-depth
• wide-ranging
• inclusive
• far-reaching
• global
• no-holds-barred
• unrestrained
• unhampered

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• random
• haphazard
• desultory
• aimless
• cursory
• superficial
• limited
• shallow
• narrow
• hit-or-miss
• restricted
• slipshod

2

as in comprehensive

covering everything or all important points

an exhaustive survey of the nation's sexual habits

Synonyms & Similar Words

• comprehensive
• thorough
• extensive
• full
• panoramic
• complete
• inclusive
• encyclopedic
• global
• compendious
• all-inclusive
• in-depth
• general
• omnibus
• universal
• vast
• broad
• embracive
• cyclopedic
• all-embracing
• broad-gauge
• cover-all
• large
• all-in
• wide
• overall
• wide-ranging
• far-reaching
• sweeping
• far
• catholic
• inclusionary
• cosmic
• indiscriminate
• encyclical
• unrestricted
• blanket
• panoptic
• grand

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• limited
• narrow
• specialized
• restricted
• specific
• precise
• exact
• individual
• circumscribed
• incomplete
• singular
• sketchy
• patchy

Example Sentences

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