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
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 Still, with star power and depth at all three levels of the defense, pointing out weaknesses is an act of nitpicking at this point. Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 5 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nitpicking
Verb
  • In my experience as an outfitter, Altra has always been my go-to suggestion whenever a customer walks in complaining about foot problems.
    Alice Bennett, Travel + Leisure, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Miami is awful, and everyone should’ve known it the minute their players were complaining that their joint practice with the Bears was too tough.
    Jon Greenberg, New York Times, 11 Sep. 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
  • His celebration was subtle yet suave, a drop of his bat with a flick of his wrist.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 13 Sep. 2025
  • This is clearly a quick screen and may not pick up more subtle issues.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Nitpicking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nitpicking. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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