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finicky

adjective

ˈfi-ni-kē How to pronounce finicky (audio)
Definition of finickynext
as in careful
hard to please cats have a reputation for being finicky eaters

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 finicky Their odds of winning the World Series – a famously finicky task prone to small sample size flukes – were over 25%, one-in-four for one of baseball’s 30 teams. — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026 Although ficus trees can be finicky, their flexibility and natural beauty are just as pleasant to gaze upon in the 2020s, both indoors and outdoors. — Abby Monteil, The Spruce, 12 Aug. 2026 While Michael King struggled to finish off finicky and plucky Diamondbacks hitters, the real issue and the real worry was on the other side of the ball. — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026 With about 1,200 total producers in Barolo and 425 in Barbaresco—both of which make wine using the finicky Nebbiolo grape—very few grow grapes and make wine in both appellations. — Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for finicky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for finicky
  1. careful
  2. persnickety
  3. picky
  4. nice
  5. particular
  6. fussy
  7. fastidious
  8. choosy
Adjective
  • Renault is careful to frame this as a style exercise rather than a preview of a production model.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Awash with new property tax funds, local governments often haven’t been careful stewards of residents’ tax dollars.
    — Elaine Parker, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of careful
Adjective
  • The team then turned to an open-source model developed in China, which was less persnickety.
    — Stephen Witt, New Yorker, 30 July 2026
  • Imagine creating a new standard of hypersensitive caution about attracting even the most persnickety media criticism, and then applying it for the first time to your son’s wedding.
    — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 21 May 2026
Definition of persnickety
Adjective
  • That being said, those in the chip sector looking for partners are getting increasingly picky, with finance not always among their top preferences.
    — Justina Lee,Lisa Kim, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Considering the world of options there are out there, some picky people take years to find the perfect sofa.
    — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of picky
Adjective
  • Wheaton North responded with a nice two-minute drill, and Burke found Adam Schilling for a 36-yard gain to the 7-yard line.
    — Mike McGraw, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Folks throw on their nice pair of jeans, or some good earrings, to come here.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of nice
Adjective
  • Instead, implants exchange simple signals, such as whether a particular condition has been detected or whether an action should be triggered.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Guests, in no particular order, include Mahershala Ali, Billy Crystal, Pete Davidson, Robby Hoffman, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Paul McCartney, Seth Meyers, Tom Morello, John Oliver, Bernie Sanders, Bruce Springsteen, and Howard Stern.
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of particular
Adjective
  • An updo can definitely be formal without looking fussy, and this is a masterclass in hitting exactly the notes.
    — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 15 Sep. 2026
  • The soft fabric and wide-leg shape feel current without being fussy, while the elastic waistband is exactly what a long day calls for.
    — Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 13 Sep. 2026
Definition of fussy
Adjective
  • His pencil mustache, his fastidious gestures, and his twinkling eyes are at least as famous as his drinks.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Universal's Potter lands at its resorts in Orlando, Hollywood, Beijing and Osaka are famous for their fastidious attention to detail.
    — Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of fastidious
Adjective
  • Schumann has seen how Dan Lanning was choosy and didn’t leave a good situation until a job the caliber of Oregon came into the picture.
    — Bruce Feldman, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • And because Imax is not actively seeking a sale, simply entertaining offers, its executives can afford to be choosey.
    — Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of choosy

Browse Nearby Words

finicking
finicky
fining
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Cite this Entry

“Finicky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/finicky. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

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