as in meticulous
taking, showing, or involving great care and effort
she was always painstaking about her work
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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 fossils were collected between 2021 and 2024 — years of meticulous excavation and study.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Dive into a world where timeless elegance and meticulous craftsmanship reign supreme.—
Kevin Huynh,
InStyle,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
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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
-
Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
28 Feb. 2026
-
To make the most of spring planting, start with site preparation and careful plant selection.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
28 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
After a whole season exploring the pains of being an illegitimate child and fears of pregnancy, Sophie and Benedict are now free to have children that would be welcomed warmly into society.—
Jennifer Maas,
Variety,
27 Feb. 2026
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But these are the standard-issue growing pains the NHL routinely beats into developing rosters.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
27 Feb. 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
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For 20-odd years, Adams has been one of Hollywood’s most reliably committed and conscientious performers.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Approach the situation with patience and persistence, and stay focused on reaching a reasonable resolution for everyone involved.—
Gary Singer,
Sun Sentinel,
26 Feb. 2026
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Endurance meets firepower Performance analytics conducted so far indicate confidence in the MQ-9B’s ability to carry long-range weapons over significant distances while maintaining its hallmark persistence and endurance.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Giving your all to others has left your loving cup empty.—
Lisa Stardust,
Vogue,
2 Mar. 2026
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Friends of Wendy and Gary Spohr filed one after another before Judge Garen Horst to describe a loving couple who thrived on adventure and travel, whether skiing their beloved Sierra or diving in the waters of the South Pacific, but whose lives were cut down out of Serafini’s greed.—
Darrell Smith,
Sacbee.com,
28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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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 5 Mar. 2026.
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