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 Why simplicity is the whole game Right now, except for a few robot makers who are already scaling like Agibot and Unitree, humanoid robots are expensive, hand-built, and finicky. — John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 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 Part of the problem is that, outside of their tenants’ pleas, landlords face neither any real pressure nor any legal requirement to install shutters and ceiling fans; even owners who want to do so are thwarted by recalcitrant co-op boards or finicky historic-preservation reviews. — Henry Grabar, The Atlantic, 27 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 See All Example Sentences for finicky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for finicky
  1. careful
  2. nice
  3. persnickety
  4. picky
  5. particular
  6. fussy
  7. fastidious
  8. demanding
Adjective
  • Determination and careful calculations — hold on, carry the 2 — are a must.
    — Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 2 July 2026
  • Graduate students face lower federal limits and the loss of Grad PLUS, requiring careful financial planning.
    — Scott White, Forbes.com, 2 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
  • Again, these shops—think Plato’s Closet or Uptown Cheapskate—are picky and often cater to a younger audience.
    — Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 1 July 2026
  • McLaughlin admits that years of parenting picky eaters helped inspire the central idea behind the project.
    — Chris Barilla, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026
Definition of picky
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
  • Making mini lava cakes is fussy, but this large format variation is as easy as can be.
    — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 2 July 2026
  • Visually, Jaron’s clean lines and subtle stitching give it a timeless look that is anything but fussy.
    — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 25 June 2026
Definition of fussy
Adjective
  • 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
  • Diana was fastidious about controlling her narrative.
    — Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 9 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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Cite this Entry

“Finicky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/finicky. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of finicky for Spanish Speakers

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