FINICKY Synonyms: 68 Similar and Opposite Words

finicky

adjective

ˈfi-ni-kē

Definition of finicky

as in careful

hard to please cats have a reputation for being finicky eaters

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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 Select a compact cultivar, such as ‘Kleim's Hardy' or ‘Crown Jewel', for growing in small spaces or containers, and be aware that these finicky shrubs might not be the best choice for beginner gardeners. — Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 22 June 2026 The restaurant, which has held its Michelin star for more than 20 years—no small feat in the finicky world of fine dining—continues to draw diners with seasonal course menus, shaped by local suppliers and produce from the estate gardens, as well as its service and sense of occasion. — Lindsay Cohn, Travel + Leisure, 13 June 2026 Its finicky drainage needs are easier to manage in a pot, and lavender always looks fantastic in a large terra-cotta planter. — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 June 2026 Scott finds one benefit to be the guarantee of a predictable schedule, as opposed to potentially finicky and expensive Ubers or other local transportation. — Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for finicky

Recent Examples of Synonyms for finicky

Adjective

When an accident brings the enigmatic Gaia into their lives, unexpected desires begin to take shape, unsettling the careful balance that has long defined their relationship.

— Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 9 July 2026
Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.

— CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026

Definition of careful

Adjective

Quince This matching set feels especially nice on warm nights, thanks to its naturally cooling bamboo viscose material.

— Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026
Worth checking out The Nest Fragrances Reed Diffuser will keep your bathroom smelling nice with 21 lush scents, including lemon and mint, apricot tea, ginger and vanilla bean, ocean mist and sea salt, grapefruit and more.

— BestReviews, Mercury News, 6 July 2026

Definition of nice

Adjective

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
Francesca’s pinnacle Once a Regency world has implied there’s mass print culture capable of speedy and pervasive distribution of colored images, something as persnickety as vocabulary is probably beside the point.

— Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 11 Feb. 2026

Definition of persnickety

Adjective

The Supreme Court’s rulings have landed with particular force in South Florida, which is home to the largest share of Venezuelan immigrants in the country.

— Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
And Ormund Hightower appears to be very capable at this particular game, which should come as no surprise given Otto was his uncle and the Hightowers are wildly rich and powerful.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026

Definition of particular

Adjective

Under Walsh’s witty direction, all four deliver pitch-perfect comedic performances in this frothy farce, which is full of mistaken identities, exaggerated infatuations and fussy social norms.

— Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026
For fussy kids, freeze fruit juice or smoothies into ice pops.

— Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026

Definition of fussy

Adjective

In addition to eating well, Diana was also a fastidious gym-goer—who can forget her famous gym ‘fits?

— Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 1 July 2026
The irony is that in not trying to pass muster with more conservative theatergoers (and their fastidious institutional guardians), playwrights have been winning over not just critics but also formerly squeamish artistic directors and perennially nervous Broadway producers.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026

Definition of fastidious

Adjective

Building a paper airplane can be as demanding as building the airframe of a real aircraft.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 July 2026
Once the evaluation process is complete, the company plans to scale production to thousands of units over the next three years, targeting manufacturers seeking to automate physically demanding and hazardous work.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026

Definition of demanding

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finicking

finicky

fining

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“Finicky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/finicky. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of finicky

adjective

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