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
Eric Tucker, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026
The Veyron Super Sport World Record Edition was the subject of months of painstaking refurbishment.
—Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2026
The story also highlights the painstaking work of paleontology — from the initial confusion over whether a fossil belonged to a fish, to the moment a ninth matching jawbone confirmed the twist was no accident but a remarkable product of evolution.
—Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2026
The work is painstaking and gradually revelatory.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for painstaking
Adjective
Mueller was driven by a career-long passion for the painstaking work of building successful criminal cases.
—Eric Tucker, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026
The Veyron Super Sport World Record Edition was the subject of months of painstaking refurbishment.
—Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2026
The story also highlights the painstaking work of paleontology — from the initial confusion over whether a fossil belonged to a fish, to the moment a ninth matching jawbone confirmed the twist was no accident but a remarkable product of evolution.
—Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2026
The work is painstaking and gradually revelatory.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for painstaking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for painstaking
Adjective
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The meticulous process of turning Doctorow’s historical novel into a musical started with playwright Terrence McNally, who wrote a 60-page treatment in 1994.—
Manuel Mendoza,
Dallas Morning News,
27 Mar. 2026
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This meticulous process is all in the name of snagged that Master Chronometer label, meaning that the timepiece is highly accurate and surpasses the threshold for ultra-high performance.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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At a Tuesday afternoon news conference in Sacramento City Hall, the mother and daughter stood beside their attorney, immigration advocates and local lawmakers — many of whom were involved in a weeks-long effort to bring her home.—
Mathew Miranda
Updated March 31,
Sacbee.com,
1 Apr. 2026
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Of course, the usual efforts around going plastic-free and energy-efficient are in place.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
An assembly of planets in Aries moves through your twelfth house, stirring emotions behind the scenes and asking for careful tending.—
Kirah Tabourn,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
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To the begonia collectors out there, Begona Black Velvet, with large leaves that could have fallen from a maple tree, is worth a careful look.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
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One associate dean couched the misstep as a result of learning pains tied to the adoption of new technology.—
Emily Hodgson Anderson,
The Conversation,
25 Mar. 2026
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Tagovailoa, sporting a gray T-shirt and white ball cap, went through the pains and shortcomings of his past, his expectations for 2026 and the quarterback battle that awaits him in Flowery Branch.—
Daniel Flick,
AJC.com,
24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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This conscientious engagement is well-suited for futures, which often reward market awareness and preparation.—
Wyles Daniel,
Sacbee.com,
24 Mar. 2026
-
The retreat’s quiet atmosphere and conscientious design reflect their belief in the restorative powers of simplicity, reflection, and connection with nature.—
Kelsey Eisen,
Robb Report,
19 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Amundsen’s work is in keeping with the rest of the show, which fills two halls at the liberal arts school with visual and multimedia works that probe the persistence of radioactive materials.—
Chloe Shrager,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Mar. 2026
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The lessons that endure are about constraint and invention, messiness and coordination, contradiction and persistence—about intervening directly and fearlessly in material reality.—
Julian Rose,
Artforum,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, Daniel is choosing to remember Allison as a loving individual who spent her last moments taking care of her friend in need.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
29 Mar. 2026
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Audrey Jones described her brother — who left behind two children — as loving, kind and compassionate.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Some reviewers are unhappy with slow results — but Hers products are most effective when used consistently for a minimum of three months, and there’s no way of knowing how diligent these reviewers were.—
Rebecca Strong,
USA Today,
25 Mar. 2026
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Herzog depicts the bushmen who aid Boyes as dignified, diligent and intelligent without romanticizing them while capturing the rugged beauty of the African landscape.—
Stuart Miller,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Painstaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/painstaking. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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