as in meticulous
taking, showing, or involving great care and effort
she was always painstaking about her work
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in effort
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of painstaking
David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 25 Feb. 2026
Recruiting international players to MLS is a painstaking process within a competitive global transfer market.
—Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2026
The painstaking work to preserve the species might seem odd to outsiders, but the parrot is just one of many spirited and strange avians in a country where birds reign supreme.
—Charlotte Graham-McLay, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026
The satisfyingly noisy sense of liftoff that ensues undoubtedly took a painstaking, iterative process of writing, recording, and mixing to achieve.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for painstaking
Adjective
With the contract signed and keys in hand, Adler set about doing the work her firm is known for—highlighting classic structural elements, preserving history through painstaking refurbishment, and formulating the perfect mix of modern, bespoke, and antique elements.
—David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 25 Feb. 2026
Recruiting international players to MLS is a painstaking process within a competitive global transfer market.
—Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2026
The painstaking work to preserve the species might seem odd to outsiders, but the parrot is just one of many spirited and strange avians in a country where birds reign supreme.
—Charlotte Graham-McLay, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026
The satisfyingly noisy sense of liftoff that ensues undoubtedly took a painstaking, iterative process of writing, recording, and mixing to achieve.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for painstaking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for painstaking
Adjective
-
The show has drawn praise for its meticulous re-creation of ‘90s New York — and also scorn from members of the Kennedy family and mixed reactions from others who knew the couple.—
Rick Porter,
HollywoodReporter,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Through meticulous reporting and exclusive access, Neyfakh and Canaan trace how the spicy subscription platform has surprisingly become an emotional marketplace.—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Eco effort As with many high-end resorts in Costa Rica, there is a relentless desire to preserve the beauty of its host country.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Lael talked about efforts to push more early voting to prevent the kind of issues voters in Dallas County faced on election day.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The best way to attain them during this conjunction of Venus and Saturn in your financial zone would be to set careful guardrails around your spending.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
8 Mar. 2026
-
No amount of sweeping or careful stepping keeps it at bay; shoes quickly collect a film of dust or thick mud.—
Katie Strasberg Rousso,
Southern Living,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
That’s why civil servants in national security, disaster relief and federal science have long taken pains to avoid the political fray.—
Michael Chertoff,
The Orlando Sentinel,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Because the somewhat complex antitrust case is being tried before a 12-person jury, each party took pains to lay out the process, and provide visual explainers, about how an artist works with promoters and others to book a tour, and who profits.—
Caitlin Huston,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Virtually no risk-free approach Even a conscientious employer following the rule and regulatory and judicial interpretation of the rule may have its workplace seating policy second-guessed.—
Dan Eaton,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 Feb. 2026
-
For 20-odd years, Adams has been one of Hollywood’s most reliably committed and conscientious performers.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The findings show a story of both progress and persistence.—
Jennifer Tescher,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Critics argue that state institutions have been slow to dismantle the networks and that political elites benefit directly or indirectly from their persistence.—
Chas Newkey-Burden,
TheWeek,
4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Our 100-year-old municipal golf course needs major renovations and updating; the clubhouse needs some loving care.—
Betty Resch,
Sun Sentinel,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Jensen described Bridegan as controlling and money-obsessed, while portraying Gardner as a loving mother.—
Scott Butler,
Florida Times-Union,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Thanks to the diligent work of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners, justice has been served, and this dangerous individual will now face severe consequences for his actions.—
Tim Fang,
CBS News,
28 Feb. 2026
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Nursing requires diligent, precise work, so risking her eyesight to harmful UV exposure is a non-option.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Painstaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/painstaking. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
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