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 perpetual buzz of mining bees mingled with the shuffle of rabbits through the bushes, woodpeckers’ rapid-fire drilling, and the hard-staccato tchack, tchack, tchack of ravenlike birds known as jackdaws, creating a subtle symphony.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026 -
Look for alcohol-free, subtle formulas the goal is a whisper of fragrance, not a perfume cloud that announces itself from across the room.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Miami Herald,
10 June 2026
Adjective
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Decent, albeit a bit soggy and delicate in flavor.—
Michael Deeds,
Idaho Statesman,
11 June 2026
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Available in 16 summer-ready colors, the sweater top brings an elegant twist to your wardrobe with its dramatic sleeves, throwback boxy silhouette, and delicate ruffle detailing.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
11 June 2026
Adjective
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In a pinch, Aparacio says a simple mixture of soap and water will also work just fine.—
Sarah Lyon,
The Spruce,
14 June 2026
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Any outdoor activities, including the Orioles game, will be fine through mid-afternoon.—
Steven Sosna,
CBS News,
14 June 2026
Adjective
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By leveraging exact data and diagnostics, organizations can pinpoint exactly where their culture is fracturing—frequently among Black women, employees with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ professionals.—
Julie Kratz,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
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The Generic 2-Story Prefab Restaurant is listed as a shipping container restaurant, but since the structure is fully customizable to your exact specifications, the only limits to its uses are your own imagination.—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
14 June 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Hairsplitting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hairsplitting. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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