nitpicking 1 of 2

present participle of nitpick

nitpicking

2 of 2

adjective

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 nitpicking
Adjective
Ultimately, though, Braun’s priority through all the number-nitpicking negotiations was to stay in Denver. Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 21 Oct. 2025 Just keep an eye on the run defense In a dominating win like Sunday’s, looking for any negatives is nitpicking, but the Cowboys’ run defense struggles are worth highlighting. Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Oct. 2025 Venus in Virgo loves precision, but be careful not to slide into scarcity thinking or nitpicking your progress. Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 14 Sep. 2025 That might seem like nitpicking, except this is a franchise that has had the luxury of starting-caliber linemen as reserves. Zach Berman, New York Times, 17 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nitpicking
Verb
  • Dani has fallen asleep, though only after complaining vociferously about the light.
    David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Lyons said store owners had been complaining about the retail for some time.
    Luke Barr, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • More support tickets, more quibbling, more negotiating.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • With five blades sandwiched between two moisturizing bars, this razor speeds up the entire process (no fussing around with shaving cream), nourishing dry skin and making nicks a rare occurrence.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • This was the mid 1980s and tandem skydiving hadn’t been popularized yet, so his father, Roger, adjusted accordingly by stuffing carpet padding into the leg pads to stop him from fussing.
    Angelina Liu, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
Verb
  • By making a subtle tweak out of possession, Slot looks to have addressed an issue that was niggling away at his side despite last season’s title victory.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Should the pattern hold true throughout the long march to the Super Bowl, nobody’s going to be carping about the official headcount.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 19 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nitpicking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nitpicking. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!