hairsplitting

adjective

Definition of hairsplittingnext
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
  1. subtle
  2. delicate
  3. fine
  4. exact
Adjective
  • Coleman said each design has its own distinct character and can be styled individually, either as a subtle everyday detail or a sculptural statement.
    — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
  • As the researchers saw, introducing random mutation could still make subtle structural tweaks that produced enzymes that were considerably more active.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of subtle
Adjective
  • Try a cider flight to experience several of Seminary Hill’s delicate and impressive ciders which range from semi-dry to dry and from still to sparkling.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026
  • But Democrats don’t have to share the spotlight with the president, so their balancing acts are not as delicate as those confronting their Republican opponents.
    — Julio Borquez, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of delicate
Adjective
  • Thinner fibers would allow researchers to embed more sensing elements into garments, potentially capturing finer details of body movement.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The new songs on Live at Carnegie Hall are some of Winter’s very finest.
    — Walden Green, Pitchfork, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of fine
Adjective
  • Even better, Molly is the exact right amount of Instagram accessible while still being kept at a classy remove.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The notices will include specific information about their 2027 benefits, including exact payment dates and dollar amounts as well as any deductions.
    — Lorie Konish, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of exact
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.

Browse Nearby Words

hairsplitters
hairsplitting
hairstyle
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Cite this Entry

“Hairsplitting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hairsplitting. Accessed 15 Oct. 2026.

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