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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Climate change continues to have a profound impact on the Great Lakes region, bringing more extreme weather, declining fish populations, and subtle but profound economic transformation.—
Caitlin Looby,
jsonline.com,
24 July 2025 -
Interplay of rough and polished diamonds continued, with a wide range of hues from white to subtle greens and browns, and the use of materials such as natural jet and grand-feu enamel.—
Lily Templeton,
Footwear News,
24 July 2025
Adjective
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Tasters enjoyed Canada Dry’s balance of flavors, noting that its delicate citrus played well with a sharp bitter note on the back of their tongues.—
Sam Stone,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
14 July 2025
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For instance, delicate fabrics like wool, silk, or linen will likely have different washing requirements than white cotton garments.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
12 July 2025
Adjective
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All was fine until her grandmother brought home an orange cat.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 July 2025
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Based on how Padres pitchers have performed, Díaz and Maldonado had a fine defensive first half.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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The exact revenue baseline won’t be known until Maryland files its FY25 financials with the NCAA early next year.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
15 July 2025
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More research is needed to determine the exact amount of glutamine in pork.—
Lindsey DeSoto,
Health,
15 July 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Hairsplitting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hairsplitting. Accessed 31 Jul. 2025.
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