as in subtle
made or done with extreme care and accuracy
usage experts have attempted to make some hairsplitting distinctions between the two words, but most writers blithely ignore them
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hairsplitting
Adjective
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There's a subtle but powerful form of manipulation happening in AI companions.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
17 Aug. 2025 -
The spawn, which typically takes place over a few days and lasts less than 20 minutes, is triggered by subtle environmental cues — moon phase, tides and water temperatures — that healthy reefs once responded to in consistent synchronization.—
Ashley Miznazi,
Miami Herald,
17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Exercising sound discretion while remaining faithful to the grantor’s wishes is a delicate balancing act that requires insight and judgment.—
Royce Ramey,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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Another layer of pastry sits atop the mixture and is covered in crystal sugar, which adds a nice sweetness to contrast the tart filling, as well as a delicate crunch in each bite.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The pillow top cover is filled with a fine spiral fiber filling, which is held in place with quilted stitching that ensures equal distribution without bunching.—
Maggie Horton,
People.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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One more beer, condensation rolling down the can in the lazy swell of this fine summer afternoon.—
Kristen Arnett
August 7,
Literary Hub,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Rugged Flex Relaxed Fit Denim Bib Overalls While Jennifer Garner’s exact Carhartt overalls aren’t on sale, this relaxed denim alternative is and offers a similar fit.—
Ali Faccenda,
People.com,
8 Aug. 2025
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Although the shape of the McDonald’s fry wasn’t the exact goal, there’s something about the world’s most famous fry that strikes a chord with Americans.—
Andrew Watman,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Hairsplitting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hairsplitting. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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