HAIRSPLITTING Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

hairsplitting

adjective

Definition of hairsplitting

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

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hairsplitting

Adjective

Messi’s longevity is a story of enduring brilliance but also subtle evolution.

— Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 10 July 2026
Buyers will be able to tailor the interior with exclusive leather, Alcantara, and a choice of Comfort or Racing seats, both featuring six vertical grooves as a subtle nod to the six-speed layout.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 July 2026

Definition of subtle

Adjective

Their wide silhouette creates an interesting contrast with the delicate shape of a granny blouse.

— René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 9 July 2026
Satellites perform a delicate dance to maintain their orbit, by locking themselves to a speed just fast enough to counteract the downward pull of gravity.

— Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 9 July 2026

Definition of delicate

Adjective

The 40-year-old goalkeeper, who only turned professional aged 25, helped Cape Verde hold the European champions to a goalless draw with a string of fine saves.

— Tom Burrows, New York Times, 12 July 2026
This is common when the sensor gets a coating of fine dust on it.

— Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 11 July 2026

Definition of fine

Adjective

The sober home ordinances that the state is attacking are modeled after Costa Mesa’s rules; rules that have prevailed over these exact kinds of objections in federal court.

— Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 9 July 2026
Lagree was originally built for that exact crowd, actresses and models already in peak physical condition who wanted to sculpt without bulking up.

— Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2026

Definition of exact

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Browse Nearby Words

hairsplitters

hairsplitting

hairstyle

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“Hairsplitting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hairsplitting. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of hairsplitting

adjective

Example Sentences

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