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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This planet is electric, unpredictable and genius with its approach, but its transits are anything but subtle.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
6 Sep. 2025 -
Even subtle light or noise can disrupt sleep cycles, preventing you from reaching the deeper, most restorative stages of sleep necessary for physical and mental recovery.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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How To Harvest Dill Flowers Dill blossoms deliver strong dill flavor in a delicate, pretty package.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
5 Sep. 2025
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Liu’s work often merges corsetry, delicate smocking, and floral motifs with a romantic yet subversive edge.—
Essence,
Essence,
4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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New Jersey's finest, Joe and Melissa Gorga, also showed up and showed out.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
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The brand’s categories include women’s ready-to-wear, shoes, bags, accessories and fine jewelry at contemporary price points.—
WWD Staff,
Footwear News,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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While this exact model is meant for the European market, Roborock has promised that similar ones will be making their way to the US soon.—
Andrew Gebhart,
PC Magazine,
8 Sep. 2025
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Our moments of uncanny convergence—like bumping into an old flame at the exact right (or wrong) time—function like indulgences did in the days of Martin Luther, tempting us in the promise of paradise.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 Sep. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Hairsplitting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hairsplitting. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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