Definition of nitpicknext
as in to complain
to make often peevish criticisms or objections about matters that are minor, unimportant, or irrelevant her husband nitpicks about everything: from how she puts the plates away to how she files the bills

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of nitpick And the backdrop of worldwide unrest and escalating nuclear threat is subtle to a fault, though that’s just nitpicking. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2026 Diehards nitpicked pointless details like Bond's hair color as an excuse to dismiss the whole experiment. — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 1 June 2026 While there are always things to nitpick in the style of play and execution, Wells is laser-focused on the way his players carry themselves as the Rapids enter a 60-day break between games for the World Cup. — Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 24 May 2026 Though who had time to nitpick, when there were floor-to-ceiling windows and a wide balcony that faced the sea? — Ada Calhoun, Travel + Leisure, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for nitpick
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nitpick
Verb
  • Toward the end of first grade, Najya started complaining about lunchtime chaos in the cafeteria.
    — Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Patients, their families and lawyers have complained that Kaiser’s private and confidential system of handling medical malpractice complaints is designed to favor the health plan over those bringing the claims.
    — Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • If the difference between these positions seems far too minor to quibble over, that is, in part, the point.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 July 2026
  • The debtor might quibble over the language of the charging order, but that's about it.
    — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Verb
  • However, the actual interiors of this four-bedroom home are nothing to cavil at.
    — Kelly Corbett, House Beautiful, 7 Oct. 2020
Verb
  • Perhaps only a pedant—or a hypocrite—would fuss about that kind of imprecision.
    — Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2026
  • If the offensive line’s healthy again, RB Saquon Barkley will ramble again, broadening QB Jalen Hurts’ margin for error and being fussed at by the coaching staff.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • At the same time, Plog placed a phone call to a relative and can be heard moaning and screaming in pain.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Sam makes a production out of teasing them, mock-reaching for various items on the set as the whole group moans and wails in distress.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Nitpick.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nitpick. Accessed 30 Sep. 2026.

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