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 Gap’s CashSoft fabric is a soft cotton blend that feels like cashmere, but isn’t as finicky. — Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 11 Sep. 2026 Moisture trapped in the ground allows finicky crops such as onions and peanuts to grow. — Adrien Marotte, Christian Science Monitor, 20 Aug. 2026 In This Article Orchids might seem like finicky houseplants, but with the proper care, that grocery store stunner can bloom for years and years. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2026 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 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
  • This may reduce duplication, although temporary processing, logging, vendors and model-provider retention policies still need careful review.
    — Steve Dawson, Forbes.com, 12 Nov. 2026
  • That flexibility could benefit experiments and sensitive equipment requiring careful handling after landing.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 11 Nov. 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
  • The report read this as a sign of a pickier market as the business consolidates.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The holidays can feel overwhelming when your child is a picky eater.
    — Taylor Grothe, Parents, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of picky
Adjective
  • What to do nearby Upon arrival, one of the very helpful receptionists will mark up a map with nearby sites, beaches, and restaurants worth visiting in the area and explain the best way to walk or bike there—a nice personal touch.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
  • This puts a nice button on Gabe preferring to get Star Baker over a handshake.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of nice
Adjective
  • Each Aman brings a particular individuality, yet the continuous thread between each is this aptitude for creating a space where guests can fully succumb to relaxation.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Nov. 2026
  • Into this eclectic circle comes Leland, an Alabama man who wears his particular brand of Christianity on his sleeve and has endured more than his fair share of tragedy.
    — Matthew J. Palm, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Nov. 2026
Definition of particular
Adjective
  • Faulkner gave the gig his best shot, producing some twelve hundred pages and entertaining fussy notes from French consultants.
    — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Chunky glitter like Lemonhead LA Spacejam or Unicorn Snot Macro Glitter can also have the same gem-like effect without the fussy gluing and oh-so-precise placement.
    — Loren Savini, Allure, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of fussy
Adjective
  • Oeffling is not new to music, but his artistic career is one that’s developed with more of a shrug than fastidious dedication.
    — Britt Julious, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2026
  • 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
Definition of fastidious
Adjective
  • Further down the ratings ladder, investors are getting choosier and demanding higher yields to take on the risk of lending to companies in the AI sector.
    — Ellen DiMauro, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Lawrence’s casting is a coup – for any studio, really – as the actress is known for being quite choosy.
    — Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of choosy

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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 14 Nov. 2026.

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