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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hairsplitting
Adjective
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Featuring a subtle kick flare at the hem and chic pintuck detailing, they’re designed to hit right under the calf, or just at the ankle for petite people like myself.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Oct. 2025 -
Adding parsnips and turnips to the recipe gives the dish a subtle earthy flavor that perfectly complements the savory chicken.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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While those connotations may have long since lost their relevance, contemporary designers have been embracing lace more than ever recently, filling collections in New York Bridal Fashion Week with beautiful gowns crafted in the delicate, classic material.—
Shelby Wax,
Vogue,
23 Oct. 2025
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She was elegantly dressed in a cream coat dress adorned with delicate embroidery, paired with matching heels and a coordinating clutch bag.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Working primarily in the North Sea, Müller had pioneered the use of extremely fine nets to collect these and other tiny marine organisms.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Oct. 2025
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According to Thorsten Schumm, PhD, a researcher at the Vienna University of Technology’s (TU Wien) Institute of Atomic and Subatomic Physics, some theories suggest that the fine-structure constant may not be truly constant.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The results were unprecedentedly exact renderings.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Oct. 2025
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Qiy Ankle Boots These suede ankle boots strike the exact right balance of fashionable and functional—mid-height, subtly heeled, and endlessly wearable.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Oct. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Hairsplitting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hairsplitting. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.
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