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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The rooms Hotel Thaynes has 128 guest rooms, including six king suites, each designed for simple mountain stays with subtle pops of colors.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
19 Mar. 2026 -
But eventually, nonstop quips give way to subtle observations on class, power, and, particularly during its second season, when Killface and Crews run opposing campaigns for president, the futility of electoral politics.—
Eric Vilas-Boas,
Vulture,
18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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While some experts insist that a good face cream can handily tend to the skin around the eyes, others argue that a cream specifically designed for the delicate area is worth the investment.—
Jenny Berg,
Vogue,
19 Mar. 2026
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The lip exfoliators have delicate sugar crystals that gently scrub to reveal smooth, supple, flake-free lips.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The same year, Kwame Onwuachi set the stage for the explosion of Caribbean fine dining in New York City with Tatiana, his upscale restaurant at Lincoln Center.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
22 Mar. 2026
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Some timely goals and Swayman’s finest work of the season awaited them.—
Steve Conroy,
Boston Herald,
22 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Officials also released a photo of Campos allegedly leaving a hotel in New Mexico, although the exact time and place the photo was purportedly taken wasn't immediately clear.—
Austen Erblat,
CBS News,
22 Mar. 2026
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Imagine discovering that someone else lives at your exact address — 15 miles away.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Mar. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Hairsplitting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hairsplitting. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
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