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
  • There’s that Japanese concept of space and pause—in the wide corridors, the uncluttered lobby, the careful symmetry.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The first step was to tailor it to her size, while being careful to preserve the bespoke construction.
    — Bella Webb, Vogue, 5 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
  • The Mk 41 system presents a particular integration challenge.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Ultimately, the employee would be directed to wire a large sum of money to a particular bank account controlled by members of the conspiracy, costing the companies more than $129 million, according to prosecutors.
    — Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of particular
Adjective
  • The resulting sensorium never sounds overly fussy or strained for virtuosity.
    — Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 4 Nov. 2026
  • However, as minimalist, light, and midcentury styles gained popularity, Morris says people saw heavy wooden pieces as fussy and old.
    — The Spruce, The Spruce, 24 Oct. 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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Cite this Entry

“Finicky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/finicky. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

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