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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hairsplitting
Adjective
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Featuring a subtle kick flare at the hem and chic pintuck detailing, they’re designed to hit right under the calf, or just at the ankle for petite people like myself.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Oct. 2025 -
Adding parsnips and turnips to the recipe gives the dish a subtle earthy flavor that perfectly complements the savory chicken.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Alastin’s Restorative Neck Complex is a lightweight cream made specifically for the delicate skin below the chin.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
30 Oct. 2025
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Practical considerations In a delicate political and cultural landscape, brands must walk a fine line in discussing the benefits of clean fashion without fueling panic and misinformation.—
Sophie Benson,
Vogue,
30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Wolvaardt a fine century on the back of her impressive semifinal performance.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
3 Nov. 2025
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Dark Renaissance will teach you a great deal about Marlowe’s brilliance and the Elizabethan era—its theater, the aristocracy, the spy craft, and the finer points of drawing and quartering religious dissidents.—
Isaac Butler,
The Atlantic,
3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Kroger asking customers for exact change Though legally able to do so, Kroger so far is not refusing pennies or cash payments.—
Alexander Coolidge,
USA Today,
3 Nov. 2025
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While the exact names differ by brand, most follow a similar pattern.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
3 Nov. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Hairsplitting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hairsplitting. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.
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